EMA, Governor advise Alabamians to prepare for Debby

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WALA) - Alabama Governor Robert Bentley encouraged Alabamians to prepare for Tropical Storm Debby as the storm approaches the Gulf Coast.

Sunday, forecasts of where the storm would head were unsure but it was expected to track to the east toward Florida or continue to the west toward Louisiana and Texas.

Though tracks are still unsure, it is certain that the storm will affect the Alabama Gulf Coast in some way and Bentley said now is the time to “make sure you and your family are ready for any potential impact.”

“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,” Bentley said. 

Bentley’s office said they are working closely with the Alabama Emergency Management Association to discuss preparation and response to the storm.

Art Faulkner, the director of the EMA said that an important tool to have in preparation for a storm is a reliable device to receive updates, like 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,” Faulkner said.

Bentley urged the public to prepare because the ‘cone of uncertainty’ from the tropical storm shows an impact along the Alabama Gulf Coast.

“We urge the public to monitor updated forecasts and stay aware of the situation in the Gulf," he said.

The National Weather Service has issued tropical storm warnings extending from Morgan City, La. eastward to the Suwannee River in Florida, including all of the Alabama Gulf Coast. 

A tropical storm watch  from the Suwannee River south to Anclote Key, Fla.

For additional information, visit www.ema.alabama.gov .