Governor Kay Ivey on Friday, ahead of Hurricane Dorian, released a statement that she has approved the Alabama National Guard to send up to 50 support personnel to Florida, should the need arise.
The Associated Press reports, “As of 2 p.m. EDT, Dorian was centered about 625 miles (1,005 kilometers) east of West Palm Beach with winds of 115 mph (185 kph) and was moving northwest at a slowed-down 10 mph (17 kph).
Dorian could prove to be the strongest hurricane to hit Florida’s Atlantic Coast since Andrew, a Category 5 that obliterated thousands of homes south of Miami with winds topping 165 mph (266 kph) in 1992.
An estimated 10 million people live in the 13 Florida counties with the highest likelihood of seeing hurricane-force winds from Dorian by Wednesday morning. After passing through Florida, it is expected to rake the Southeast coast through the Carolinas.
Coastal areas could get 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) of rain, with 18 inches (46 centimeters) in some places, triggering life-threatening flash floods, the hurricane center said.”
President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency in Florida and authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster-relief efforts.
“Alabamians believe in neighbors helping neighbors, and we stand ready to support the Floridians however we can,” Governor Ivey said. “Alabama is familiar with severe weather and the unpredictability of Mother Nature. Preparedness is always key, and we are proud to help Florida as they brace for potential impact from Hurricane Dorian.
The state stands ready to assist and can accommodate this request, while still ensuring the safety of residents, should the storm impact Alabama.
“Providing defense support to civilian authorities is a core mission for the Alabama National Guard. Our soldiers and airmen are highly trained, well equipped and ready to respond to assist our neighbors in other states as requested,” ALNG Adjutant General Major General Sheryl Gordon said.
According to Governor Ivey’s office, she and Governor Ron DeSantis spoke on the phone yesterday evening. His schedule official schedule from the day reflects a call at 7:30 pm eastern with her following calls with governors from Georgia and South Carolina.
“We are continually monitoring the storm system and will also ensure that Alabama is ready, should we receive any impact,” Governor Ivey added.
Governor Ivey reports that she is “remaining in contact with Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Hastings to closely monitor the system.”
