Kay Ivey Declares State Of Emergency Ahead Of Hurricane Michael

MONTGOMERY, AL - Expecting mass power outages and severe thunderstorms in the state when Hurricane Michael makes landfall, Governor Kay Ivey declared a State of Emergency for Alabama. Hurricane Michael is expected to hit the Florida Panhandle as early at Tuesday night.

Related Story: Michael Now A Category 1 Hurricane

“Alabama is once again in the path of a hurricane, but I know Alabamians will once again come together and be prepared for whatever Michael may bring,” Ivey said. “On the state level we are prepared, now is the time for residents in south Alabama to review your emergency preparedness plans and also get prepared. Tomorrow we will start seeing the effects of Michael and those in its path will need to take shelter by tomorrow evening. Please stay weather aware today and tomorrow for any forecast changes. Most importantly, heed all warnings and instructions from local authorities.”

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The storm is aiming at a region that stretches from Mobile through the Florida Panhandle and into the Big Bend area of northern Florida.

A hurricane warning from the National Weather Service was declared for the Alabama-Florida border to the Suwannee River in Florida. A warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the designated area, and warnings are typically issued 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected, the weather service said.

Ivey, along with Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director, Brian Hastings, said they will continue to monitor the track of Hurricane Michael. By declaring a State of Emergency, Ivey is directing the activation of the Alabama Emergency Operations Plan. Ivey is also directing the appropriate state agencies to exercise their statutory authority to assist the communities and entities affected by the storm. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency is also authorized to make appropriate assessments of damages following the storm.

“Hurricane Michael is forecast to become a major hurricane and it will produce wide-spread power outages and debris that will challenge our response and recovery in the southern and Wiregrass counties. Alabamians should always be prepared, but everyone needs to make final preparations now to be ready for Hurricane Michael,” Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Hastings said. “I am concerned about the cone of uncertainty as Hurricane Michael is leaning west today. Residents and businesses in coastal Alabama must be vigilant and closely monitor the storm’s path and be prepared for a major hurricane.”

"Michael could produce three life-threatening hazards along portions of the northeastern Gulf Coast: storm surge, heavy rainfall, and hurricane-force winds, with storm surge and hurricane watches in effect," a statement by the National Weather Service said. Several inches of rain are expected in parts of the state south of the I-85 corridor.

Image via NOAA