In anticipation of the arrival of Tropical Storm Gordon, which the National Weather Service (NWS) says will soon be upgraded to a hurricane, Gov. Kay Ivey has declared a State of Emergency for several Alabama counties.
Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe and Washington Counties are all included, effective at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 4.
“I’ve issued a State of Emergency for #TSGordon directing essential state agencies to be on the ready should they be needed over the next couple of days. All coastal Alabama residents need to prepare now ahead of tonight’s potential landfall,” tweeted Ivey.
I’ve issued a State of Emergency for #TSGordon directing essential state agencies to be on the ready should they be needed over the next couple of days. All coastal Alabama residents need to prepare now ahead of tonight’s potential landfall. Read–> https://t.co/aAzNF5G7ry pic.twitter.com/ythMpWwHAO
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) September 4, 2018
“All coastal Alabama residents need to prepare now ahead of tonight’s potential landfall near Alabama. I have directed essential state agencies to be on the ready should they be needed over the next couple of days,” said Ivey. “As with any tropical weather event, being prepared is of utmost importance. Everyone should take the necessary precautions now and stay informed of the latest weather conditions for their area. This State of Emergency will ensure that all available state resources are ready when they are needed.”
Gordon is expected to bring increased rain activity and storm surge, with the threat of flooding and isolated tornadoes, the risk of which is expected to dramatically increase over the next 12 to 36 hours.
“Gordon is a tight, fast moving tropical storm. Alabama is postured for a coastal wind and water event, but the key will be the preparation of our citizens,” Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brian E. Hastings said. “If you live in the coastal counties, especially in surge and flood prone areas, it is imperative that you get to a safe place by early afternoon and stay there through Wednesday morning. With tropical storm force winds forecasted, we expect power outages concentrated in the coastal counties; so, make sure you have a 72-hour emergency kit ready.”
Regardless of the final track and intensity of Gordon, it will produce heavy rainfall and flash flooding in several counties, and Ivey is encouraging Alabamians to prepare now.
By declaring a State of Emergency, Ivey is directing the appropriate state agencies to exercise their statutory authority to assist the communities and entities impacted by Tropical Storm Gordon.
For real-time road conditions, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is encouraging people to visit https://algotraffic.com/.
