Tornado Preparedness Checklist

Before a Tornado

✅ Know Your Safe Place – A basement or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows (closets, hallways, bathrooms).

✅ Have a Weather Alert System – A NOAA weather radio, weather apps, and local alerts (WAFF 48, WHNT 19, or the Madison County EMA).

✅ Stock an Emergency Kit – Include:

• • • • • Flashlights + extra batteries
        • First aid kit
        • Non-perishable food & bottled water (3-day supply)
        • Battery-powered radio
        • Medications & important documents (in a waterproof bag)
        • Sturdy shoes (in case of debris)
        • Phone charger & backup battery
        • Blankets or sleeping bags

✅ Secure Outdoor Items – Bring in patio furniture, grills, and decorations to prevent them from becoming projectiles.

✅ Check Your Storm Shelter or Safe Room – Make sure it’s accessible and stocked.

During a Tornado

🚨 Get to Your Safe Spot Quickly – Stay low and protect your head.

🚨 Avoid Windows & Doors – Flying debris is the biggest hazard.

🚨 If in a Car or Mobile Home – Abandon it and find a sturdy shelter. If no shelter is available, lie flat in a low area (ditch) and cover your head.

After a Tornado

🆘 Check for Injuries & Call 911 if Necessary

🔦 Use Flashlights Instead of Candles to avoid fire risks.

📢 Listen for Updates – Local officials will provide guidance on road closures and safety.

Stay safe! Let me know if you need specific shelter locations or resources. 🌪️

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux 🍽️

If you're looking for a vibrant dining experience that combines Southern hospitality with a lively sports atmosphere, you've got to stop by Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux on Highway 72 West.

Ambiance & Atmosphere

Walk-On's offers a welcoming environment, perfect for families, friends, and sports enthusiasts. With wall-to-wall TVs, it's an ideal spot to catch the latest game while enjoying a meal.

The menu boasts a variety of scratch-made dishes that cater to diverse palates. Here are some standout items:​ 

• Starters: Kick off your meal with their Mozzarella Logs, which are massive and perfect for sharing. 

• Seafood Specialties: The Voodoo Shrimp & Grits features bacon-wrapped shrimp stuffed with cream cheese and jalapeños, tossed in a sweet chili glaze, and served over cheddar grits. 

• Burgers: For burger lovers, the Hickory Burger comes topped with BBQ sauce, cheddar, bacon, and crispy onion rings, delivering a satisfying blend of flavors. 
  

• Salads: The Zydeco Salad combines sweet chili-glazed fried shrimp with mixed greens, candied pecans, and a pepper jelly vinaigrette, offering a refreshing yet indulgent option. 

Patrons frequently praise the generous portions and flavorful dishes. One guest noted, "We started out with the Mozzarella logs (they are massive) and boudin balls... I've never had boudin before, but I will definitely have it again."

Open daily from 11:00 AM, closing at 10:00 PM on weekdays and Sundays, and at 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. ​

Check out the menu 🍴

Most Recent Deadliest Tornadoes in Madison and Huntsville

Tornadoes are part of life here in North Alabama, and while we’ve learned to prepare, history has shown us just how destructive they can be.

The 1989 Huntsville Tornado

One of the deadliest tornadoes in Alabama’s history struck Huntsville on November 15, 1989. This F4 tornado tore through South Huntsville during rush hour, killing 21 people and injuring over 450. Winds reached nearly 200 mph, and the storm left a path of devastation across Airport Road, leveling businesses, homes, and even part of Jones Valley Elementary. It remains one of the most infamous tornadoes in state history.

The 2011 Super Outbreak

On April 27, 2011, Madison and the surrounding areas were hit by multiple violent tornadoes during the largest tornado outbreak in U.S. history. An EF5 tornado passed just west of Madison, devastating Harvest and nearby communities. The storms caused widespread power outages, including in Madison and Huntsville, where some areas went without electricity for over a week. The outbreak resulted in more than 200 deaths in Alabama.

These past events remind us how important tornado preparedness is. Stay weather-aware, have a safe shelter plan, and never ignore warnings.

Have a memory of these storms? Share your story with us! 🌪️ 

Are You Prepared?

When severe weather strikes, early warnings can save lives. That’s why every household in Madison should have a Midland Weather Radio. This device provides instant alerts from the National Weather Service, even when power or cell service is down. With features like automatic severe weather updates and a battery backup, you’ll stay informed about tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flash floods. Here in Alabama, where unpredictable weather is common, having a Midland Weather Radio on hand offers peace of mind and essential protection for your family. Don’t wait until the next storm to get prepared! We've been hearing that they continue to sell out at local stores. Order yours today.

You can go here for instructions on how to set it up.

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