Weather
Tornado Emergency Declared for Madison and Huntsville, Alabama Amid Large and Destructive Storm
MADISON, AL — A tornado emergency was declared Tuesday evening for portions of Madison, Huntsville, and surrounding areas as a large, destructive tornado was confirmed on the ground west of Madison, moving east at 35 mph.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the urgent alert at 6:22 p.m. CDT, calling the situation a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” and urging residents in the storm’s path to seek immediate shelter.
Radar imagery indicated a significant debris ball over one mile wide, confirming the tornado’s intensity and potential for catastrophic damage.
The storm system has already produced multiple rotating cells across northern Alabama, with two major areas of concern — one near Muscle Shoals and another south of Rogersville — both exhibiting strong tornado potential.
The tornado emergency remained in effect until 6:45 p.m. for western Madison County, eastern Limestone County, and the cities of Madison, Huntsville, and Athens. Emergency officials warned of an imminent and serious threat to life and property.
“Take shelter now,” the NWS urged. “Go to the lowest level of your home, away from windows, and put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.”
Multiple emergency management agencies are monitoring the situation, and residents are advised to stay alert to evolving warnings and updates through official weather channels.
NEW JERSEY – Torrential rainfall has triggered widespread flash flooding across northern New Jersey, leaving roadways submerged, traffic paralyzed, and numerous motorists stranded.
In response to the rapidly deteriorating conditions, Governor Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency Monday evening at 7:33 p.m., urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
“Please stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Stay safe, New Jersey,” Murphy wrote in a statement released on social media.
The flash flooding has severely impacted several major roadways, including:
- Route 22: Entire sections of the highway were completely underwater, with numerous vehicles stalled in rising floodwaters. Emergency responders are on scene assisting trapped motorists.
- New Jersey Turnpike: Near Newark, both northbound and southbound lanes experienced heavy flooding, resulting in lane closures and significant traffic delays. Some areas of the Turnpike are reported to be completely impassable as water levels continue to rise.
Residents described scenes of devastation, with roads transformed into rivers and entire neighborhoods inundated. Video footage from affected areas shows cars partially submerged, and water rushing through intersections and parking lots.
Officials have issued a strong warning: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Flash flooding remains an active threat as more rain is forecast throughout the evening and into Tuesday.
Emergency management teams across the state are working to coordinate response efforts, deploy high-water rescue vehicles, and mitigate further flooding.
Despite the swift response, public reaction has been mixed, with some residents criticizing the timing and preparedness of local and state agencies.
One social media user remarked, “Don’t bother calling FEMA, nobody will answer,” reflecting growing frustration over emergency response delays.
The duration of the State of Emergency remains unclear, but officials stress that residents should continue to monitor official alerts, follow emergency guidance, and contact 2-1-1 for shelter assistance if displaced.
If you are experiencing a flood-related emergency, contact local authorities immediately.
This is a developing situation. More updates will follow as the weather event continues to unfold.