Governor Bentley Issues Statewide State of Emergency Due to Expected Impact from Tropical Storm Karen

UPDATE: The State of Emergency issued on Friday, October 4, 2013, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Karen was formally lifted on Monday, October 7, 2013.

MONTGOMERY – Alabama Governor Robert Bentley on Friday declared a statewide State of Emergency in anticipation of heavy rains and high winds likely to result from Tropical Storm Karen.  With landfall of a tropical system, tornadoes are possible.  Parts of Alabama could be placed under tornado watches or warnings.

“Residents and businesses along Alabama’s coast should monitor weather conditions and be prepared for whatever this tropical storm may bring,” Governor Bentley said.  “By declaring this state of emergency, I am mobilizing the resources our communities need as the storm approaches.”

“The Governor’s issuance of the State of Emergency places Alabama National Guard members and all emergency response agencies on alert for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Karen,” says Alabama EMA Director Art Faulkner.

Governor Bentley, along with AEMA Director Art Faulkner briefed local officials Friday afternoon by conference call on the current efforts of state agencies to monitor the track of Tropical Storm Karen.   By declaring a State of Emergency, Governor Bentley is directing the activation of the Alabama Emergency Operations Plan.  Governor Bentley is also directing the appropriate state agencies to exercise their statutory authority to assist the communities and entities affected by the storm.  The Alabama Emergency Management Agency is also authorized to make appropriate assessments of damages following the storm.

Suggestions on how to prepare for a tropical storm can be found at www.readyalabama.gov, or by following Ready Alabama on Twitter at @readyalabama.  The Alabama Emergency Management Agency also has information online at www.ema.alabama.gov and on Twitter by following @AlabamaEMA.

Click here for a copy of the State of Emergency declaration.