CLANTON – Hurricane Nate is continuing to gain strength in the southwest Caribbean Sea as it moves toward the U.S. Gulf Coast. Nate is forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rain into Alabama. A Hurricane Warning and Storm Surge Warning are in effect for coastal Alabama. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for a number of counties as far north as I20, and a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for several additional counties in both the northwest and southeast sections of the state.
In preparation for Hurricane Nate, today the State Emergency Operations Center will activate to level one. This activation allows the state to bring the necessary state and federal responding agencies into the Emergency Operations Center prior to significant storm impacts.
This system is forecast to affect most of Alabama from Saturday afternoon into Sunday, either by means of wind, heavy rain, storm surge or tornadoes.
How to Prepare:
- Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s)
- Mobile County shelters will open Saturday at 10 a.m.
- Contact your local emergency management agency for the latest county information. Alabama county director information can be located on ema.alabama.gov under the contacts tab.
- Double check your emergency preparedness bag, it should include the following items: a disaster supply kit, a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of your critical information.
- If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate or if you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave.
- Check your family emergency communication plan and ensure you have a method to receive emergency weather notifications.
- Secure loose outdoor items that are near your home.
The Alabama Department of Transportation is monitoring the transportation network across the state. Motorist are encouraged to visit algotraffic.com or download the algotraffic app for real time traffic status and alerts.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency wants motorists to know help is only a phone call away if they experience flat tires or other automotive problems. Drivers are encouraged to call *HP on their cell phones to reach the nearest Highway Patrol post for assistance.
For the latest information on Tropical Storm Nate please follow @AlabamaEMA, ema.alabama.gov or weather.gov and click on your county for the latest weather updates.
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