BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Elmore County – Sightseers are causing problems for utility workers and first responders in the hardest hit portions of Elmore County. EMA Director Keith Barnett said it is causing real issues, and he asks everyone who is not a first responder, or utility workers to stay off the roadways for the rest of the night.
More storms over Mississippi are headed this way, Barnett said.
“The National Weather Service is telling us we have a few hours, but then another line is headed this way and it is possible we could see more watches and warnings,” Barnett said.
With the number of trees down, homes damaged and destruction around Lake Jordan north and south, there have been no reports of injuries.
“And that is nothing short of a miracle,” Barnett said. “We want to keep it that way. But we need people who are just out riding to go home and stay there. It is causing big problems right now.”
Workers have been in and around the Lake Jordan area from Holtville to Titus walking on foot through areas where trees are down, checking on damage and residents who are trapped on their streets because of downed trees. They are now working on clearing the debris to open roadways back up, Barnett said.
“I have told the staff to take a break, get some food, and get ready, because this night is going to be a long one,” Barnett said.
Please, share this information, and do not get out on the roadways in damaged areas tonight. Please let first responders, county crews and utility workers work to clear debris, check on residents and restore power as soon as possible.
From the National Weather Service at Birmingham: “We’ve already had several likely tornadoes today in Central Alabama. Round one of storms is in the process of shifting into Georgia with the tail end of activity still affecting areas toward I-85. Round two is kicking off back in Mississippi. This is our next batch of storms that will pose a risk of severe weather tonight into early Wednesday morning, including: tornadoes, damaging winds, and quarter size hail. **Make sure you check on the latest weather conditions before heading to bed and have a way to be woken up if a warning is issued for your area (weather radio, reliable weather app., Wireless Emergency Alert on your smartphone/WEA).**”
