Tuscaloosa Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 166,253 and a calculated risk score of 81.0, Tuscaloosa faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Tuscaloosa, AL. Life in Tuscaloosa comes with its own set of rewards. However, FEMA data points to some underlying risks. Your emergency plan should definitely account for tornadoes.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Tuscaloosa sits at a Risk Score of 80.960. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Tornado and Heat Wave.
Tornado risk in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuscaloosa is susceptible to severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes. Weather patterns in this region can generate sudden rotational storms that give residents very little warning time compared to other hazards.
Tuscaloosa Tornado Safety
- •Identify an interior room without windows on the lowest floor
- •Monitor NOAA weather radio during spring storm season
- •Clear yard of potential projectiles before storms arrive
Top Hazards for The Tuscaloosa Area
The geographical layout of Alabama means that emergency services prioritize readiness for these tornado scenarios. Therefore, deep learning models analyzing weather patterns output this risk metric of 96.7. Staying off the roads during a severe tornado event is the safest choice.
The geographical layout of Alabama means that emergency services prioritize readiness for these heat wave scenarios. Therefore, deep learning models analyzing weather patterns output this risk metric of 96.7. Staying off the roads during a severe heat wave event is the safest choice.
The geographical layout of Alabama means that emergency services prioritize readiness for these earthquake scenarios. Therefore, deep learning models analyzing weather patterns output this risk metric of 91.9. Understanding the local soil type (liquefaction risk) can inform home buying decisions.
Monitor Active Threats
Tuscaloosa has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Tuscaloosa? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Tuscaloosa
Read the Full Guide →Identify your safe room immediately. In Tuscaloosa, severe storms can spin up quickly. You need a safe, windowless location and a way to receive alerts when the power grid fails.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Prepare for secondary heat waves if power is lost.
- 2Secure outdoor furniture that could become projectiles.
- 3Keep a whistle in your kit to signal for help if trapped.
- 4Wear a helmet (bike or construction) to protect from debris.
- 5Have a weather radio with a battery backup to receive alerts.
Essential Gear for Tuscaloosa
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
The best insurance against Tornado is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 94.9 | Birmingham and Tuscaloosa share similar regional risks, but our data gives Tuscaloosa the edge in overall safety. |
| Huntsville | 87.5 | Huntsville and Tuscaloosa share similar regional risks, but our data gives Tuscaloosa the edge in overall safety. |
| Mobile | 98.0 | Choosing between Tuscaloosa and Mobile? Tuscaloosa presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Montgomery | 80.0 | Montgomery and Tuscaloosa share similar regional risks, but our data gives Montgomery the edge in overall safety. |
| Auburn | 60.2 | Choosing between Tuscaloosa and Auburn? Tuscaloosa presents a unique set of challenges. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Tornados in Tuscaloosa?
With a risk score of 96.7 for Tornado, Tuscaloosa is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Tornado events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Tuscaloosa safer than other cities in Alabama?
It varies by hazard. While Tuscaloosa has its own risk profile (Total Score: 81.0), it is generally comparable to the average in Alabama. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Tuscaloosa given the risk of Heat Wave?
Every city has risks. The threat of Heat Wave (Score: 96.7) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Tuscaloosa is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to other cities in Alabama?
See the full Alabama Disaster Rankings to see how Tuscaloosa stacks up against other cities in the state.