Alabama city
Tornadoes in Birmingham
Birmingham has been brushed or hit by violent tornadoes repeatedly — including F5/EF4 events in 1977, 1998, and 2011 — making it one of the highest-risk metros in America. Here is Birmingham's tornado history and what residents should know.
The local risk
- Central Alabama records more violent (EF4+) tornadoes per area than almost anywhere on Earth.
- The 2011 Tuscaloosa-Birmingham EF4 tracked 80 miles and entered the metro's western suburbs.
- The 1998 Oak Grove F5 struck the western suburbs, killing 32.
- The 1977 Smithfield F5 hit the northern suburbs, killing 22.
- Hilly, forested terrain hides approaching tornadoes — radar and alerts substitute for eyesight here.
Notable events
- April 4, 1977 Smithfield F5 — 22 dead in the northern suburbs.
- April 8, 1998 Oak Grove F5 — 32 dead west of the city.
- April 27, 2011 Tuscaloosa-Birmingham EF4 — 65 dead along its 80-mile track; entered the metro at Pleasant Grove and Pratt City.
- January 25, 2021 Fultondale EF3 — 1 dead; a nighttime winter event.
- Annual events — the metro is warned multiple times most springs and some winters.
How warnings reach you here
- The local NWS office issues tornado watches and warnings for the metro.
- Wireless Emergency Alerts push warnings to every phone in the polygon — no signup needed.
- Outdoor sirens cover most of the metro but are designed for people outdoors.
- NOAA Weather Radio with SAME county programming is the most reliable overnight alert.
- Local TV meteorologists provide wall-to-wall coverage during outbreaks.
Preparedness for this area
- James Spann's wall-to-wall coverage is a Birmingham institution — but have a weather radio for when the power fails.
- Terrain and trees mean you will likely never see the tornado — act on the warning, not the sky.
- Community shelters exist across Jefferson County; know your nearest before the season.
- The 2011 outbreak killed mobile home residents at catastrophic rates — pre-arrange sturdier shelter.
- January and February tornadoes are normal here; Alabama has two full seasons.
Check your personal odds
Use our [tornado risk calculator](/tornado-risk-calculator/) to estimate your annual, 10-year, and lifetime odds of death, injury, or property damage — adjusted for your home type and shelter access.