Governor Robert Bentley today declared a statewide state of emergency as severe weather impacts the state.

Several counties have experienced heavy rain, flash flooding and possible tornadoes because of the severe weather that began moving across the state Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning. Seventeen Alabama counties have reported some type of storm damage according to the Alabama Emergency Management Agency.

“The state is prepared to assist our citizens and communities that have been affected by this severe weather,” said Governor Bentley.

By declaring a state of emergency, the Governor authorizes the Alabama Emergency Management Agency to assist communities, make the appropriate assessments of damage and seek state and federal assistance for the affected areas.

“The staff at Alabama Emergency Management Agency is on alert and continues to monitor all damage reports,” said Director Art Faulkner. “AEMA stands ready to do all it can to assist local communities.”

Possible tornado touchdowns were reported Wednesday in Baldwin and Mobile counties.

Heavy rains produced flash flooding in areas as far north as DeKalb County and as far south as Conecuh County.