Alabama Power encourages customers to prepare for the possibility of severe weather as its Storm Team wraps up preparations to respond if needed.

Weather forecasters say tornadoes, damaging winds, hail and heavy rain may occur Thursday across Alabama, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. As of Wednesday morning, the nation’s Storm Prediction Center had placed most of the state in a moderate or enhanced risk.

“Thunderstorms will be capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes,” wrote ABC 33/40 meteorologist James Spann in his Wednesday morning forecast on Alabama NewsCenter. “A few violent, long track tornadoes are possible, especially in the ‘moderate risk’ area along and north of I-59.”

Alabama Power is prepared for severe weather from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Alabama Power says its Storm Team is closely monitoring the severe weather threat and is prepared to move quickly to assist customers if needed. In the meantime, the company encourages its customers and others who may be affected by severe weather to review their emergency plans, stay weather aware, follow guidance from local emergency management authorities and be prepared for any situation.

Alabama Power offers the following tips and information to help customers stay storm ready before, during and after severe weather:

• Sign up for Outage Alerts for real-time updates on outages and restoration by texting ‘Enroll’ to 272688 or go to AlabamaPower.com/Alerts.
• Have at least two methods of receiving severe weather alerts, such as a NOAA Weather Radio and a mobile device.
• Charge mobile phones and other electronic devices.
• Have several flashlights with extra batteries as well as a first-aid kit.
• Have a three-day minimum supply of water – 1 gallon per person per day, plus three days’ supply of food and drink that does not have to be refrigerated.
• Use a battery-operated weather radio to stay informed.
• Seek shelter inside a sturdy building. In the event of a tornado, the safest place is on the lowest level. Choose a small room with no windows, such as an interior closet, hallway or bathroom.

The public should stay away from any downed power lines and any downed trees that may have power lines in them.

Following a storm, Alabama Power encourages customers who may experience a power outage to follow these tips:

• Report your outage online at alabamapower.com. You can also call the automated reporting system at 1-800-888-APCO (2726).
• Turn off or unplug appliances to avoid any potential safety hazards when power is restored.
• Stay away from downed lines, fallen trees and debris. Do not drive over lines or under low-hanging lines. Keep children and pets away from downed lines. Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or anything else caught in power lines. Stay clear of fallen trees or debris where downed lines may be hidden. Call Alabama Power at 1-800-888-2726 or contact local law enforcement if you see downed lines.

Learn more to help you and your family prepare before storms by visiting the Alabama Power Storm Center.