Subtropical Storm Alberto triggers states of emergencies on US Gulf Coast
Preparations have begun where Alberto is expected to threaten lives and property with flooding rain, damaging winds, inundating seas and isolated tornadoes in the southeastern United States.
Governors of Florida, Alabama and Mississippi have declared states of emergencies ahead of Subtropical Storm Alberto making landfall along the Florida Panhandle on Monday.
Governor Phil Bryant of Mississippi and Governor Rick Scott of Florida signed the declarations on Saturday morning to ensure the proper resources are available to their respective states with Alberto threatening the Southeast. Governor Kay Ivey followed suite on Saturday evening.
"[Saturday] morning, I have declared a state of emergency across Florida to ensure our state has the resources they need to keep their families safe and prepare for the torrential rain and severe flooding Subtropical Storm Alberto will bring," Florida Gov. Rick Scott said.
The Florida state of emergency spans across all 67 Florida counties.
“If any Florida family doesn’t have an emergency preparedness plan, now is the time to act. Remember, the track of these storms can change without notice," Gov. Scott said.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has activated the Private Sector Hotline at 850-815-4925. The hotline is available for business inquiries about the storm, preparedness information and post-impact information.
Gulfport, Miss., residents shovel sand into bags at a Harrison County Road Department sand bagging location, while preparing for Subtropical Storm Alberto to make its way through the Gulf of Mexico. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
"All Alabamians should take time to be prepared for the potential of significant flooding," Gov. Ivey said. "I have directed essential state agencies to be on the ready should they be needed over the next couple of days."
Rain and wind are expected to spread from the Florida Peninsula to the upper Gulf Coast prior to Alberto making landfall between Mobile, Alabama, and Panama City, Florida, on Memorial Day.
Beaches were closed for swimming in Okaloosa County, Florida, on Sunday due to the threat of rough surf, according to AccuWeather Reporter Jonathan Petramala.
Navarre Beach, in Santa Rosa County, Florida, was also closed to swimmers.
There can be power outages and tree damage near and to the east of where Alberto makes landfall. These areas will also face isolated tornadoes and an inundating storm surge.
To prepare, make copies of important documents in the event of flooding. It is best to have copies of proof of ownership documents of any property not limited to their homes, cars and boats.
These documents can be stored in a hurricane kit or in any safe location that does not risk being damaged during the hurricane.
Residents and tenants should inspect their homes to confirm that there is no damage that strong winds could increase. Aside from keeping extra batteries and chargers around during the storm, people are also encouraged to backup any electronic devices.
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