Calhoun County, AL – As Alabama gears up for severe weather, the Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has issued a critical alert for residents in the region. Calhoun County has been placed under a Wind Advisory starting from 3 PM on Monday, January 8th, until 6 PM on Tuesday, January 9th. Wind gusts of up to 45 mph are expected during this period.*
The Wind Advisory, in conjunction with the forecasted severe weather, poses potential hazards to the community. Residents in Calhoun County are urged to exercise heightened caution during this time and adhere to safety guidelines provided by local authorities, including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
As Alabama braces for an impending bout of severe weather, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is urging residents to prioritize safety and take precautionary measures to mitigate potential risks. Weather forecasts are indicating the possibility of tornadoes and damaging winds exceeding 70 mph, particularly in the southern regions of the state.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor emphasized the importance of staying informed and prepared in the face of unpredictable weather conditions. “At any moment, weather conditions can change drastically,” Taylor warned. “Our Agency stands ready to assist with all divisions and units developing and implementing severe weather operation plans for this storm system. However, we strongly encourage and recommend that both citizens and visitors prepare now for the incoming weather.”
With the impending weather system on the horizon, ALEA has issued a series of safety tips to ensure the well-being of the community. These guidelines include monitoring local news for weather updates and travel advisories, checking road conditions via https://algotraffic.com/, reporting emergencies promptly by calling 911, and remaining alert for emergency vehicles while adhering to Alabama’s “move over” law.
The agency also stresses the importance of keeping vehicles in good operating condition, with functional windshield wipers and headlights. As weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly, motorists are advised to adapt speeds to current road conditions, be vigilant to changing weather patterns, and remain connected with local news stations and ALEA’s social media pages (@aleaprotects) for real-time updates on weather and road conditions.
During the storm, residents are urged to avoid being on roadways, bring pets indoors, and stay indoors whenever possible. If venturing outside is unavoidable, it is recommended to keep trips short, turn on headlights and windshield wipers, and maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
As part of ALEA’s commitment to public safety, they have also provided essential tips for before, during, and after the storm. This includes creating a family emergency plan, staying informed through various communication channels, updating emergency supply kits, and ensuring smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors have functioning battery backups.
After the storm passes, ALEA advises residents to verify the safety of roadways before driving, stay away from downed power lines, and avoid attempting to remove tree limbs from power lines. Instead, they emphasize the importance of contacting Alabama Power at 1-800-888-2726 and waiting for professional assistance.
In the face of uncertain weather conditions, the emphasis on safety and preparedness remains paramount. ALEA encourages residents to heed these warnings and take necessary precautions to ensure the well-being of themselves and their communities. Stay informed, stay safe, and be weather-ready.
