SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Tropical Storm Irma is set to bare down on East-Central Alabama on Monday and into Monday evening. After causing destruction in the State of Florida, the City of Sylacauga is bracing for the worst as the storm moves north.
Sylacauga Mayor Jim Heigl told SylacaugaNews.com the Police, Fire, and Street Departments as well as the Sylacauga Utilities Board are all on standby throughout Monday and Tuesday. Heigl explained other entities will come in if the storm causes significant damage to the area. “We are being as proactive as we possible can,” Heigl stated.
The City of Sylacauga is encouraging its citizens to make sure items in their yards, such as trampolines and patio furniture, are tied down as strong winds are expected with the storm. Winds are expected to sustain gusts up to 55 mph with normal winds ranging from 30-to-45 mph. “Items outside need to be secured,” Heigl explained. “Things flying through the air can be very dangerous and we want to make sure that everyone takes the proper precautions.”
Trees falling in the midst of the gusts and high winds seemed to be Heigl’s main concern for his city and his citizens. “Water oaks and pine trees are usually the first to go in high winds. We have the Street Department ready to cut any downed trees, but the high winds and the damage it can do with trees falling is what we are most worried about.”
All Talladega County and Sylacauga City schools have been closed for precautionary reasons. City Hall remains open, but may close after lunch depending on the severity of the storm. “Hopefully the storm will dissipate once it gets up this far, but we just want to make sure our city and people are safe,” Heigl said.
RadioAlabama’s network (Yea!106.5, WYEA!1290, 98.3 Fox FM, 105.1 WRFS, 96.3 & 1050 WLMA) along with SylacaugaNews.com will keep you informed and up to date before, during, and after the storm.
For breaking news and weather information from SylacaugaNews.com, text “news” to 59925. Standard text message rates may apply. Check SylacaugaNews.com/weather for updated weather forecasts, watches, and warnings.
Jeremy Law for SylacaugaNews.com | © 2017, SylacaugaNews.com/Marble City Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.