President Trump issued a state of emergency declaration for Alabama in preparation for the recently downgraded Hurricane Irma, which is currently making its way through Georgia.
This state of emergency permits the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency to organize disaster relief efforts.
“As Hurricane Irma makes landfall in the United States, Alabama must be prepared in the event the storm comes our way,” Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement. “We must also be prepared to help meet the needs of our neighboring states that may face the brunt of the storm.”
“I have spoken with Governor Scott of Florida and pledged the full support of the people of Alabama,” she added. “I am also remaining in contact with my emergency operations team to monitor any threat Irma may pose to our state. In that vein, I have declared a State of Emergency so that we can respond however necessary at the appropriate time.”
Irma has downgraded from a Category 5 hurricane to a tropical storm, after tearing through much of Florida over the weekend.
The tropical storm is expected to hit Alabama on Tuesday, according to the National Hurricane Center. Additionally, the storm is anticipated to weaken and become a tropical depression by Tuesday.
