Alabama state of emergency: Gov. Kay Ivey issues order for 40 counties
FILE - The Alabama State Capitol stands on May 15, 2019 in Montgomery, Alabama.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency for 40 counties Wednesday as a tropical system brewing in the Gulf threatens to reach the state as a hurricane as early as Friday.
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Emergency order signed
What we know:
The state of emergency takes effect Wednesday at 4 p.m. Central time. It will remain active for seven days, expiring Oct. 14 at 11:59 p.m. unless updated by another proclamation.
The order covers Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Chambers, Chilton, Clarke, Choctaw, Coffee, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Dallas, Elmore, Escambia, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Washington and Wilcox counties.
Storm track uncertain
What we don't know:
Officials have not yet confirmed the exact track or strength of the system at landfall.
It remains unclear if local evacuations or school closures will be ordered for the impacted counties.
Official warnings issued
What they're saying:
"At this moment, forecasts continue to show the real likelihood that the tropical system brewing in the Gulf could impact Alabama as a hurricane as early as Friday," Ivey said. "While we continue to monitor forecasts, we have to prepare now."
"As we approach the weekend and any travel plans, make sure you have reliable information as conditions develop," Ivey added. "While I hope for minimal impacts, we must take preparations seriously."
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The Source: The information in this story was gathered from official public statements posted on social media by Gov. Kay Ivey, as well as an official state emergency proclamation issued on Oct. 7.