3 West Alabama Counties in Governor’s State of Emergency
The State of Alabama has been spending the week preparing for whatever winter weather conditions may befall North Alabama this weekend. Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) division operations in North Alabama are preparing to activate their emergency operations centers Friday. The West Alabama division operations center will fully activate Saturday morning.
State of Emergency Declared in North Alabama Counties
A Part of the state's preparedness activities involves Gov. Ivey issuing a "State of Emergency" (SOE) in advance of onset. Three West Alabama counties, Fayette, Lamar and Walker are included in the SOE. The issuance of the order authorizes the state to take certain actions in advance of a significant impact, such as:
- Alert the public to a possible threat within the county coverage area,
- Allow for Alabama National Guard to pre-deploy personnel and assets into the potential impact area,
- Allow the state to make resource purchases without legally calling for bids,
- Allow the Attorney General to legally enforce price gouging laws,
- Allow government personnel to draw overtime for extended work, and
- Allow school systems to close, if need be, without penalty.
In comments made by Ivey accompanying the declaration, she pointed out the state's history of repeated significant weather events but also emphasized how winter weather is a different type of threat to a southern state like Alabama. "I am urging my fellow Alabamians, especially in the northern part of our state, to stay weather aware. Based on the current forecast, we have a few concerns, including potentially dangerous driving conditions. For those Reasons, I have issued a state of emergency for potentially impacted counties"
State Preparedness
The Alabama Emergency Operations Center in Clanton has been conducting daily "Coordinating Calls" between state agencies, AEMA divisions coordinators, FEMA and the National Weather Service Field Offices. The purpose of the calls is to get an updated briefing from meteorologists and to ensure all state agencies are prepared to respond.
"Our agency has prepared extensively for winter weather, with resources pre-staged for nearly every potential scenario," AEMA Director Jeff Smitherman stated to media. "Our local EMAs continue to do an excellent job preparing their counties and municipalities through coordinated planning and proactive measures."
The State Emergency Operations Center activates to 24-hour operations tomorrow (Friday)
Local Preparedness
County emergency operations centers are being activated across North Alabama and roads are being pre-treated, The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is also pre=treating roads and bridges in areas expecting impact from a wintry mix or ice. ALDOT's plan is to keep at least one travel lane open in each direction during the event.
EMAs in West Central Alabama have placed EOCs as well as county and municipal road crews on standby should wintery conditions move furth south than currently forecasted.
Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox issued a statement assuring residents the city is fully prepared and ready to respond should winter weather conditions drop further south than forecasted.
Little Impact Expected in West Central Alabama
The area for winter advisories, watches and warnings includes counties north of Tuscaloosa and Pickens counties. However, rain showers forecasted before noon Sunday, then rain, possibly mixed with snow showers, combined with moisture on area streets, roads and highways could result in dangerous "Black Ice" conditions Sunday night into Monday.
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