Thread by @JoshWeather

(1/x) National media, my name is Josh. I am here to help you cover this story accurately.

1. January tornadoes are not rare in Alabama. Here are the number of tornadoes we've had in the past 5 Januarys:

1/2020: 5
1/2019: 5
1/2018: 0
1/2017: 21
1/2016: 0

31 in 5 years. #alwx

2. This tornado did NOT hit without warning. A Tornado WARNING was issued 8-10 minutes before it hit. A Tornado Watch was issued hours prior

If you want to say it hit with little warning, OK.

If you want to say that some people in the path didn't get the warning, OK.

3. If you air sound from people who say it hit without warning, that's still bad journalism.

If you interview me & I tell you that Papa Smurf sent the storms to take over our mayonnaise supply, you won't air it. Because it's not true.

This matters because its harmful. #alwx

We have too many people who don't have multiple, reliable ways of getting weather warnings. When you say it hit without warning, it cheapens the warning process - which is actually very good, but requires willful, active participation from the public. #alwx

National media, you can help us a ton. You are talented, powerful storytellers with an immense platform.

STOP saying it hit without warning if and when it didn't.

START encouraging people to have multiple, reliable ways of getting warnings. #alwx