Tropical Storm Watch Issued for Pickens County: Prepare for Winds Up to 40 MPH and Flooding

A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Pickens County, including Carrollton, effective immediately. The National Weather Service in Birmingham, AL, issued the watch today, October 9, at 6:57 AM CDT. Residents should prepare for winds of 10-20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph and significant rainfall of 2-4 inches, with locally higher amounts.

Efforts to protect property should be underway now. Secure any outdoor items like porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile and manufactured homes. Expect potential damage to large tree limbs, fences, and roadway signs. Driving conditions may become hazardous, especially on bridges and elevated roadways, with scattered power and communications outages possible.

A Flood Watch is also in effect. Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain. Residents in flood-vulnerable areas should consider protective actions. Rivers and tributaries may swell, and small streams, creeks, and ditches could overflow. Be aware that floodwaters can enter structures and cause damage. Heed all flood watches and warnings; failure to take action could lead to serious injury or loss of life.

The Tropical Storm Watch is set to expire today, October 9, at 3:00 PM UTC (10:00 AM CDT). For more information and preparedness tips, visit ready.gov/hurricanes.