By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Sunday, Governor Robert Bentley warned that Tropical Storm Debby could threaten the Alabama coastline and urged Alabamians to closely monitor weather reports.
Gov. Bentley said, “Now is the time to make sure you and your family are ready for any potential impact on the state. While forecast tracks show the center of the storm likely entering Louisiana, the ‘cone of uncertainty’ from the National Weather Service includes the Alabama Gulf Coast. Some inland areas in the state could also be affected. Take the time you have now to go ahead and prepare for what may lie ahead. We are closely monitoring this storm and are preparing to respond as needed. We urge the public to monitor updated forecasts and stay aware of the situation in the Gulf.”
Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Art Faulkner said, “A major part of being prepared for any potential severe weather event is having a reliable device to receive weather updates. One of the best devices is an all-hazard weather radio. By staying close to various sources of weather information, you can stay ahead of the storm and make sure you are prepared.”
The National Weather Service has issued Tropical Storm Warnings from Morgan City, Louisiana east to the Suwannee River in Florida, including all of the Alabama Gulf Coast. As of press time, the storm appears to have stalled off the Florida Coast and if it stays on its current northward path would make landfall near Apalachicola FL sometime on Wednesday.
One swimmer is presumed drowned in the strong currents offshore at Orange Beach on Monday. Efforts by the man’s teenage son and another man to rescue him were unsuccessful. There are press reports of Coast Guard rescues of boaters on Sunday.
Debby is currently a tropical storms with winds at 60 mph; but the storm could strengthen before coming ashore.
Gov. Bentley and EMA Director Faulkner are continuing to monitor the storm closely.
The Governor’s statement warned that this storm carries a possibility of heavy rain and has the potential to produce inland flooding. The statement also warned about dangerous rip currents. One swimmer is presumed drowned in the strong currents offshore at Orange Beach on Sunday. There are also press reports of Coast Guard rescues of boaters Sunday.
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