South braces for severe weather
An influx of potentially severe weather is expected to pass through Alabama and into Georgia tomorrow, Wednesday, April 5. Meteorologists are predicting the storms to produce strong winds, large hail, torrential rain and the potential for strong tornadoes.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Birmingham expects storms to hit the Birmingham and Central Alabama area in several waves throughout the day beginning after 3 a.m. until 9 p.m.
St. Clair County and Pell City Schools, including Victory Christian, will be closed tomorrow (Wednesday) as a precautionary measure for the expected storms.
Governor Robert Bentley has declared a state of emergency ahead of the predicted severe weather.
Experts caution those in the affected areas to have a safety plan in place if tornadoes do develop.
In case of a tornado, stay on the lowest level of your home in an interior room without windows. If you are in a mobile home, seek shelter at a predetermined location or local storm shelter. In situations where you may be in your vehicle or outside without shelter, do not get under an overpass or bridge. Experts have determined that you are safer in a low, flat location.
Flying debris from tornadoes causes the most fatalities and injuries, so protecting your head by using a helmet, blanket, or other means is highly recommended.
Keep informed with your local weather coverage, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio, or weather app on your phone.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
St. Clair County Emergency Management (EMA) website
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website
St. Clair County Community Safe Shelters and Safe Haven Shelters (courtesy St. Clair County EMA):
Ashville Courthouse Basement 100 6th Ave Ashville, AL 35953
Margaret FEMA Storm Shelter #1 1814 South Hillcrest Road Margaret, AL 35112
Margaret FEMA Storm Shelter #2 155 Foxtrot Way, corner of RockCrest and Clearview Rd –enter thru Rock Crest, 1st road on right past 4-way stop Odenville, AL 35120
Odenville FEMA Storm Shelter 200 Alabama Street Odenville, AL 35120
Pell City Courthouse Basement 1815 Cogswell Ave Pell City, AL 35125
Pell City CEPA Center FEMA Storm Shelter 120 Williamson Drive Pell City, AL 35125
Riverside FEMA Storm Shelter 379 Depot Street Riverside, AL 35135
Shoal Creek FEMA Storm Shelter #1 13370 Shoal Creek Road Ashville, AL 35953
Shoal Creek FEMA Storm Shelter #2 4170 Shoal Creek Road Ashville, AL 35953
Springville FEMA Storm Shelter 585 Village Springs Road Springville, AL
Churches that are offering their facility as Safe Haven Shelters (courtesy St. Clair County EMA):
Ragland—All will remain open until the storms have passed. Enter through basement doors. The main doors will be locked.
Hardins Chapel, 7704 AL Hwy 144
Ragland First Baptist Church, 920 Main St
Methodist Church, 87 Church St (by the Railroad tracks)