Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday morning provided an update on the state’s recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sally. She urged citizens to remain calm and promised linemen were working at “warp speed” to get the power back on.
“Every resource that is available to the state will be available for the people of Alabama during their recovery,” the governor began.
Alabama Power said on Twitter that as of 11:00 a.m. Thursday morning, around 135,000 households were without electricity, mostly in the Mobile area.
Ivey on Thursday encouraged citizens not to attempt to fix downed power lines themselves, emphasizing the danger such an action presents to an untrained individual.
“We’re still in the phase of rescue and recovery,” Ivey remarked about the Sally aftermath.
Media reports currently indicate that uncountable numbers of trees are down and roads are flooded in most counties south of Montgomery.
Ivey further advised that Alabama Power and PowerSouth had “armies” of people working to the best of their abilities to rectify current outages.
“Y’all I know it is uncomfortable and downright scary to be sitting in the darkness of your home without any lights, but please be patient,” Ivey admitted.
“These linemen will be working at warp speed to get your power restored,” she assured. “Patience will truly be a virtue, my friends.”
The governor said that she would visit the damaged areas as soon as her arrival “would not impede progress.”
Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Hastings said that the state currently has one confirmed death from Hurricane Sally. Hastings said the U.S. Coast Guard saved 18 people over 24 missions.
According to Hasting, 130 people are currently in a Baldwin County shelter, with a few others in smaller shelters in Mobile County and elsewhere. He advised that those numbers change rapidly.
Hastings warned that flooding conditions in South Alabama will continue through the weekend.
Major General Sheryl Gordon, adjutant general of the Alabama National Guard, said they have rescued 35 people so far during recovery efforts. Five high-water evacuation teams are still working in Baldwin County, according to Gordon.
“We are in the business of helping our neighbors… The Guard is always ready,” she concluded.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Secretary Hal Taylor reminded the public that as little as 12 inches of water is enough to start moving cars.
ALEA also has swift water rescue teams ready for action, per Taylor.
“I’d like to remind everyone to stay at home the next day or so, give our first responders the time they need to prioritize the most critical needs,” Ivey concluded.
Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.