Governor Bentley Declares State of Emergency as Severe Weather Outbreak Impacts the State
MONTGOMERY— Today, Governor Robert Bentley declared a State of Emergency for all Alabama counties as a result of severe weather impacting the state. Tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, hail, and straight line winds began moving into the state earlier in the day.
"This is a serious storm that has already caused significant damage across the South. I hope Alabamians take extreme caution while these storms move through,” said Governor Bentley. “When this weather system is no longer a threat, we are prepared to assist our citizens and communities that have been severely affected.”
There are confirmed reports of tornado touchdowns in the following Alabama counties: Monroe, Greene, Marengo, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Choctaw. Multiple injuries have been reported in Sumter, Greene and Marengo counties. One fatality has been confirmed in Marengo County.
By declaring a State of Emergency, the Governor authorizes the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and other state agencies to assist communities, make the appropriate assessments of damage.
“Alabama Emergency Management Agency has been monitoring this system all day and coordinating with other key state agencies, we are on stand-by to mobilize resources and staff as needed,” said Alabama EMA Director Art Faulkner.
The State Emergency Operations Center has upgraded its activation level. Additional staff on hand to monitor the system, as well as monitoring for potential resource requests from Alabama counties.
Provided by the Office of the Governor of Alabama | governor.alabama.gov