As Hurricane Delta makes landfall today along the Louisiana coastline, Alabama Power is encouraging its customers to stay weather aware and have their storm-readiness plans in place.

Alabama Power is prepared for severe weather ahead of Hurricane Delta from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Before the storm, customers can prepare their homes by:

• Charging smart devices prior to the storm.
• Purchasing a battery-operated charger and keep it fully charged at all times.
• Staying aware. Watch for approaching storms and tune in to a weather radio for 24/7 updates from the National Weather Service.
• Checking the weather forecast before heading outdoors or on the roads. Postpone outdoor activities when thunderstorms are forecast.
• Avoiding contact with conductors of electricity, appliances, metal objects and water.
• Updating your emergency preparedness kit.
• Bringing outdoor pets inside before the storm hits.
• Taking safe shelter immediately inside a sturdy building, away from windows, doors and electrical appliances.

The National Hurricane Center warned that Delta’s storm surge could extend from Port O’Connor, Texas, to the Alabama/Florida border. Storm surge is expected to be between 1-3 feet along the Alabama coastline with a peak of 7-11 feet anticipated in central Louisiana.

Meteorologists say Alabama could experience severe weather Saturday as the center of the storm moves inland across Louisiana and Mississippi. Gusty winds and a few small tornadoes are possible along with locally heavy rainfall.

Alabama Power says its storm team is ready to support customers who may be affected in Alabama. In addition, the company is prepared to provide mutual assistance to help utilities in other states.

Alabama Power crews are prepared to respond to outages in the state or even assist other states as Hurricane Delta affects its neighbors. (file)

Last month, Alabama Power safely and efficiently responded to support customers and communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Sally, the first hurricane to make landfall on the Alabama coastline since Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

In August, Alabama Power’s storm team assisted communities in Louisiana following the significant impact of Hurricane Laura. During this active hurricane and severe weather season, Alabama Power has provided mutual assistance to other utilities in response to storms in the Northeast and Midwest.

Learn more about how to prepare for severe weather at www.alabamapower.com/storm.