Bentley declares State of Emergency in advance of winter weather

Published 3:32 pm Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Gov. Robert Bentley has declared a State of Emergency for Alabama in preparation for winter weather that is expected to move through the state, but Demopolis and Marengo County are not expected to receive any of the weather.

The latest forecast from the National Weather Service indicates that Marengo County is below the freezing rain line for the weather coming in Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

As of 1 p.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Birmingham does not expect freezing rain to reach Marengo County.

As of 1 p.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Birmingham does not expect freezing rain to reach Marengo County.

“I have declared a State of Emergency as Alabama expects winter weather to impact our state,” Bentley said. “I have directed all state agencies to take necessary actions to be prepared to respond to potential requests for assistance. I encourage Alabamians to be prepared and monitor the weather conditions.”

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According to the National Weather Service Office, various portions of the north and north central part of the state are expected to experience ice, sleet, snow and freezing rain beginning Thursday morning and lasting through mid-morning Friday. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency is activating the State Emergency Operations Center and necessary Field Divisions to monitor the storm and assist state and local agencies as needed.

Bentley has activated 250 Alabama National Guardsmen in preparation for and to assist and respond to any emergency requests for assistance.

The State of Emergency will be effective at midnight Thursday.