Governor Kay Ivey on Monday morning issued a State of Emergency ahead of potential severe weather affecting Alabama this week.
At the time she made the declaration, what is now Hurricane Sally was still a tropical storm.
“Bad weather is nothing to take lightly,” Ivey stated. “Earlier today, I issued a State of Emergency because those on the Gulf Coast know a flood and heavy rains can be just as deadly as tropical winds. We pray that Sally doesn’t do any harm, but we must be prepared just in case. As your governor, you have my assurance that every resource will be available if we need it. Be safe, Alabama.”
The latest projection from the National Weather Service shows Sally making landfall on Tuesday.
Southeastern Louisiana, along with the coastal areas of both Mississippi and Alabama, are now under hurricane warnings.
Current projections also currently expect Sally to travel across Alabama on Thursday as a tropical depression after making landfall.
Flooding could potentially be a major problem across the Yellowhammer State as Sally progresses this week. High amounts of rainfall are expected throughout Alabama as well, especially in Southwest Alabama.
Additionally, parts of Southwest Alabama could face wind speeds between 74-100 miles per hour.
Ivey on Sunday had already urged Alabamians to prepare for Sally and to stay weather aware.
Follow the latest updates from the National Weather Service here.
UPDATE 1:00 p.m.
Ivey has issued a supplemental State of Emergency and additional statement, reflecting that Sally is now a hurricane.
“As the recently upgraded Hurricane Sally continues heading closer to the Gulf Coast, we must give individuals time to prepare for the anticipated impacts of this storm,” the governor said. “Through a supplemental state of emergency declaration, I am closing all Alabama beaches effective today at 3:00 p.m. and recommending an evacuation, especially of non-residents, and those living in flood-prone areas south of I-10. Alabamians are no stranger to tropical weather and the significant damage these storms can do, even though our state is not currently in the direct line of impact. Locals will need to prepare their homes, businesses and personal property for imminent storm surge, heavy rain and flash flooding. I urge everyone to tune in to their trusted weather source, and pay attention to your local officials for updates regarding your area as they make further recommendations based off the unique needs of your community. I am staying engaged with our emergency response team at the state level as well as our local officials in Mobile and Baldwin counties, and we will be providing assistance wherever needed. I ask everyone to use their best judgement and practice personal responsibility to ensure safety of themselves, their families and our first responders. Stay weather aware!”
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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