A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Birmingham at 7:04 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21. This warning applies to Marengo County.
Meteorologists warn of winds as strong as 60 mph.
Use caution, officials warn of hail as large as 0.75 inches.
The NWS warns: "For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building."
At 7:04 p.m., the NWS issued a statement including the following information:
"The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for: Southern Marengo County in southwestern Alabama, Until 7:45 p.m. CDT. At 7:04 p.m. CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Linden to near Sweet Water to near Putnam, moving southeast at 20 mph.
IMPACT: Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include: Linden, Thomaston, Sweet Water, Putnam, Freddie Jones Field, Shawnee, Nanafalia, Magnolia, Wayne, Surginer, Miller, Dixons Mill, Vineland, Half Acre, Octagon, Clayhill, Nicholsville, and Calvary."
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when a storm is occurring or about to occur with winds of 58 mph or higher or hail one inch in diameter or larger, the National Weather Service says. These storms can also bring heavy rain and, in some cases, flooding or flash flooding.
Once inside a shelter, stay away from windows and avoid using electrical equipment or plumbing.
Keep a battery-powered weather radio nearby in case of power loss.
Secure loose objects outside, as they can become dangerous during high winds.
Bring pets inside, and if time allows, make sure fences are secure to prevent pets from escaping or running away.
Also, remember lightning can travel several miles from a storm, so hearing thunder means you're within striking distance. The common advice from experts is "When thunder roars, go indoors."
Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that puts you in direct contact with electricity, according to the NWS.
Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths, faucets and even toilets, if you can.
Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
Do not lie on concrere floors or lay against concrete walls.
Ensure all windows are fully closed.
Refrain from touching radios, ignition systems, or any metal parts connected to the vehicle's exterior.
Stay inside the vehicle until at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.
Stay inside . Your car acts as a Faraday cage, directing the electricity around you and protecting you.
Keep hands on your lap and away from metal surfaces .
Do not touch the radio, dashboard, or any electrical components.
Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before exiting.
This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
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This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Severe thunderstorm warning issued for West Alabama