The National Weather Service in Birmingham says that there is an increased possibility of dangerous storms across the area today.
Right now, Cherokee County is in a Moderate Risk Area for 1:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. with the threat of Strong long-track tornadoes, 70 mph straight line winds and half dollar sized hail.
A Flash Flood Watch is currently in effect through midnight as we can expect 2-3 inches of rainfall, in addition to a wind advisory in effect through 3:00 a.m. Monday with sustained winds of 15-25 mph and gusts of up to 40 mph possible.
We want to stress that NOW is the time to make sure your family has an emergency plan in place. Know where to go; those places include the lowest interior room of your home away from windows or your basement. Top floors DO NOT protect you; Exterior rooms and rooms with windows DO NOT protect you and most importantly, NO place outside is safe from a Tornado.
Be sure you have a battery powered radio, flashlights and batteries in the event of a power outage.
Make sure you have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, download our free mobile app, sign up for free code red alerts, and have a working weather radio with extra batteries. Make sure you have a battery powered radio tuned to WEIS Radio, you can also sign up for free weather text alerts from WEIS by texting WEATHER1 to 77000 and you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
The Cherokee County EMA says that all available storm shelters in Cherokee County will officially be opening beginning at 5:00 p.m. Sunday evening. If the need arises, they will open them sooner.
SHELTER LOCATIONS:
Leesburg FEMA Building
Sand Rock Storm Shelter
New Bethel Storm Shelter
Cedar Bluff Community Center (safer place)
Cherokee County Courthouse Basement
Centre First Baptist Church Basement
If you choose to use a community shelter, it is important you should use as many precautions as possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19 the best you can. You will need to bring a protective mask and hand sanitizer with you. The protective mask should be worn at all times while you’re inside the community shelter and hand sanitizer should be used often.
