By Andrew Edwards
Elmore/Autauga News Staff Writer
There’s a chance for another hectic hurricane season in 2021, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is predicting an above-normal season, filled with 13-20 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes. NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence.
This comes on the heels of the 2020 season, which was the most active and fifth costliest Atlantic hurricane season on record, based off numbers from the North Atlantic hurricane database.
Alabama was no stranger to the 2020 season, as Hurricanes Sally and Zeta wreaked havoc across the gulf and the southern part of the state. Nineteen counties suffered structural damage in one form or fashion.
Locally, hurricanes and tropical storms can be dangerous. Straight line winds, flooding and tornadoes are not out of the realm of possibility this June-November, so it’s important to be prepared if/when that time comes.
One way to stay prepared is by visiting area businesses, such as Russell Do It Center in Prattville, who’s employees are working day and night to make sure that members of the community are safe come hurricane season. They currently have a plethora of generators, chainsaws, coolers, rakes, tarps and other pre/post disaster products.
“We want people to know that we’re here for them. We have the merchandise that’s needed for pre and post hurricane preparation and clean-up. We were ready for the tornado, and we’re ready for hurricane season,” said Mike Mitchell, Manager of the Prattville Russell Do It Center.
The tornado that Mitchell speaks of struck on May 4, 2021, causing significant damage to parts of east Prattville and Millbrook.
“We were able to efficiently and quickly supply residents in the area with necessary disaster merchandise because of the tornado. Through all the madness, we were able to provide people with what they needed,” Mitchell said. “What we did notice, though, was that not enough people were prepared for that type of situation. It’s important to start those preparations now. I know it’s early, but it’s better to be ready than to stand out in line waiting to get a generator.”
Those wanting to buy a generator are in luck. Mitchell says that they assemble, service and start and register all generator’s warranties for you.
“If you’re in a hurry or think you need a generator, now’s the time to get it,” Mitchell said.
Russell Do It Center has been a staple of the Prattville community for decades, and have time and time again shown up for its citizens. Mitchell expects nothing less for the 2021 hurricane season.
“We’ve been here for over 30 years serving our community, and we take pride that we’re a local outfit that stays involved with that community. We have the products you’re going to need for any pre-post disaster situation, so please come down and see us,” Mitchell said.
For those wanting to know more about Russell Do It Center, and are looking to start preparations for the 2021 hurricane season and other severe weather, visit https://www.russelldoitcenter.com/prattville.html
