Huntsville and Madison County officials are urging residents to make emergency plans ahead of a long-lasting severe weather system expected to arrive in north Alabama within hours.
The National Weather Service says an outbreak of severe storms will be possible statewide throughout Saturday. Gov. Kay Ivey has declared a state of emergency in all 67 counties.
Jeff Birdwell, director of the Huntsville-Madison County Emergency Management Agency, said two phases are expected in the Huntsville area: the first, from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. Saturday, then a second from 11 a.m. Saturday through 1 a.m. Sunday.
Birdwell said “all modes of hazards are possible” – meaning rain, hail, straight-line winds and tornadoes.
“This is one to take seriously, and let’s make sure we all come out of this safe,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said Friday afternoon.
Officials suggested residents plan — as soon as possible – whether they will remain in their homes or seek shelter elsewhere. Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon said commissioners and volunteer fire departments spent Friday ensuring the county’s community storm shelters are ready to function. Those planning to seek shelter should contact the nearest location to verify when it will open, and its policy on pets if necessary.
McCutcheon said Madison County Fire can contact the volunteer fire departments directly, so dial 911 in an emergency.
“Now is the time to prepare, and please, please, please be weather-aware,” he said.
Other storm-preparedness advice includes:
- Pack several days’ worth of prescriptions before leaving home
- Prepare multiple ways to stay informed of severe weather, such as through phone apps, a weather radio and social media
- Don’t rely on outdoor warning sirens.
Birdwell said 55 outdoor warning sirens around the county were tested this week, and all worked. But they’re intended to warn people outdoors, not inside houses, he noted.
Huntsville’s public transit will suspend service at 3 p.m. Saturday, Battle said. To report nonemergency damage in the city, use the Huntsville Connect Service Request link on the city’s homepage or call the Huntsville Police Department’s nonemergency line, 256-722-7100.
Wes Kelley, president and CEO of Huntsville Utilities, said crews will work to restore any power outages when the storm danger has passed, though he noted the predicted duration of the severe weather means that may take a while.
“Basically everybody that knows how to put the lights back on is going to be standing ready to do what needs to be done,” he said.
