Cherokee Electric Crews have deployed to South Alabama to assist in the wake of Hurricane Sally.

Cherokee Electric Co-op Manager Randall Wilkie told WEIS Radio News that three crews totaling 13 men including one warehouse worker will be traveling to the Southern Pine area located just above the Florida Panhandle to assist in restoring power there before moving to Gulf Shores in Baldwin County. They will remain there for several days. Currently there are approximately 69,781 without power.

Wilkie said that the remaining crews here in Cherokee County will continue to be available on an as needed basis. 

Sally blew ashore near Gulf Shores, Alabama, on Wednesday morning as a major hurricane with winds of 105 mph and moved slowly, which dramatically increased the effects of the heavy rains.  More than two feet fell near Naval Air Station Pensacola, and nearly three feet of water covered streets in downtown Pensacola according to the National Weather Service.