Alabama is gearing up to help the state of Florida with the damages expected from Hurricane Ian and to assist evacuees forced from their homes by the storm, Gov. Kay Ivey’s office announced today.
The storm had strengthened and was expected to be a powerful Category 4 hurricane as it came ashore on the west coast of the Florida peninsula today. Ian was packing winds of 155 mph, just below Category 5 level, and was expected to cause a storm surge of up to 18 feet.
The governor’s office said emergency response vehicles from Alabama, including utility vehicles, bucket trucks, and supply trucks, are authorized to bypass Alabama Department of Transportation weigh stations through Oct. 24. Alabama Power and 17 electric cooperatives have teams ready to help, the governor’s office said.
The state has three stand-by shelters. Evacuees are encouraged to call 2-1-1 for information. The Department of Tourism established a QR code to help evacuees find available hotel rooms.
The Alabama Department of Tourism established a QR code to help evacuees of Hurricane Ian to find lodging in Alabama. (Alabama governor's office).
Ivey spoke with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis today, the governor’s office said.
“Today, I expressed to Governor DeSantis that Alabama is committed to helping our friends in Florida,” Ivey said. “Us Gulf Coast states are far too familiar with the wrath of Mother Nature, but this storm will, no doubt, be unprecedented. We continue taking steps to ensure we are offering our helping hand however we can. I pray for the people of Florida and anyone in the storm’s path. I told Governor DeSantis today that if they need it and we’ve got it, then we’re going to send it.”