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Umbrellas up! Hurricane Zeta is headed towards Bham + here’s how to prepare
If the gloomy weather hasn’t already given it away, Hurricane Zeta is headed for the Gulf Coast and we’ll feel some of the effects here in Birmingham. Here’s what to expect, including some tips to keep you and your family safe.
What to expect in Birmingham
Gov. Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency on Tuesday in anticipation of the Category 1 hurricane Zeta.
The storm is expected to make landfall to the west of Alabama Wednesday afternoon and move its way up towards Birmingham. It will bring potential strong winds and heavy rain that’ll lead to flash floods in some areas.
It hasn’t been too long since Hurricane Sally occurred, so many forecasters are worried about weakened trees and those who live near them. They suggest that if your home is near leaning trees or trees that have been weakened, have a plan prepared if the worst were to happen.
As if things weren’t already chaotic enough, forecasters want people to be aware of potential tornadoes. Zeta will bring in some cold fronts that probably won’t mix well with the humid weather that we’ve been having. Marginal tornado risk is mainly for the south half of central Alabama.
Here’s a breakdown of the things you need to know:
- What: Hurricane Zeta
- Where: Gulf Coast + Central Alabama
- When: Wednesday night into Thursday morning
- What to expect: Storm surge, heavy rain, flash flooding, strong wind gusts and possible tornadoes
Storm safety tips
When severe weather strikes, it’s always important to be prepared and proactive. Safety is the number one concern and taking simple steps can make all the difference.
When Hurricane Sally made landfall, we wrote an article that included important safety tips from AT&T. Here’s a little refresher!
- Keep your devices charged—especially that phone.
- Track the storm on your mobile device to always be in the know.
- Text rather than calling. It tends to go through more quickly.
- Use your mobile device to take, store and send photos/video clips of damage.
- Store emergency contacts in your mobile device.
- Avoid flooded areas. Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters.
Sources for around-the-clock coverage
I always like to be tuned into local weather stations to stay in the know. Trusted sources include:
If you don’t have cable, no worries! You can stay connected through your phone on these apps:
- ABC 33/40 News: Apple Download | Android Download
- CBS 42 – Alabama News & Weather: Apple Download | Android Download
- WVTM 13 – Birmingham News and Weather: Apple Download | Android Download
Stay safe, Birmingham! For updates give us a follow on social @BhamNow + @now_bham on Twitter.
