Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey issues state of emergency ahead of potentially dangerous storms
From Gov. Kay Ivey to Pleasant Grove Mayor Jerry Brasseale, Alabama officials are encouraging Alabamians to be weather aware as potential severe weather is expected to move into the state Wednesday.
Ivey issued a state of emergency for the entire state beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
“The threat for potentially dangerous weather is rising for much of Alabama tomorrow. Out of an abundance of caution, I have issued a state of emergency for all 67 counties to ensure we are ready to act in any way needed from the state level,” Ivey said. “Projections are showing that this will likely be a widespread event, with some of the most severe weather anticipated late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning. Please make preparations now in the event your area is impacted in some way. I will continue keeping a close eye on the system and encourage every Alabamian to do the same.”
Brasseale, whose city is no stranger to devastating tornadoes, said people should think through their plans now and not wait for a storm to be imminent.
Pleasant Grove Mayor Jerry Brasseale urges public to prepare ahead of severe weather from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Ivey also took to social media to share Alabama Emergency Management Agency’s call for caution and preparedness.
Alabamians, a potentially dangerous weather event is expected to occur tomorrow. Please continue be weather aware & make preparations now. We are closely monitoring this situation. #alwx #alpolitics @AlabamaEMA https://t.co/7oqWfbqnb3
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) March 16, 2021
The National Weather Service in Birmingham, Huntsville and Mobile also used social media to share tips and information.
Get those safe rooms ready TODAY! Don’t forget to include snacks/games for the kids & items for your pets. Where is your safe place? #SafePlaceSelfie #alwx pic.twitter.com/Ww2c3lVbb4
— NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) March 16, 2021
[1 PM] Confidence continues to increase that a long duration, widespread severe weather event is likely tomorrow across the area, with damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. A few tornadoes could be strong and long-tracked. Please stay tuned and make preparations now. #HUNwx pic.twitter.com/zWrEQ5amMZ
— NWS Huntsville (@NWSHuntsville) March 16, 2021
⛈🌪 We always stress to have MULTIPLE ways to receive weather-related warnings.
🧐How do YOU get warning info? Here are a few common ways:
📻Weather Radio
📱Wireless Emergency Alerts or Weather Apps
📺Local TV/Radio
💻Internet
📢Outdoor Sirens
🗨️Family/Friends/CoWorkers pic.twitter.com/vQK01ThqaD— NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) March 16, 2021
Alabama Power is also proving tips for preparing for storms and potential outages.
Have an emergency kit with enough supplies to get each family member through three days without electricity or running water. pic.twitter.com/rW1wEEjKKR
— alabamapower (@alabamapower) March 16, 2021
And meteorologist James Spann and his weather team at AlabamaWx.com are giving regular updates.
Here is the new Day 2 severe weather outlook from SPC pic.twitter.com/4vzyS3e3oO
— James Spann (@spann) March 16, 2021
You can find Spann’s Tuesday afternoon forecast with an emphasis on the potential for severe weather Wednesday here.