As severe weather is expected to enter the Pike County area over the weekend, state and local officials are asking residents to be weather aware. 

According to the National Weather Service, Some severe storms can be expected in Pike County by Saturday afternoon. 

“If the forecast doesn’t change, we are going to be under a (risk) level four severe weather threat, which is heavy rainfall, potential for some tornadoes and gusting winds up to 60 miles-per-hour,” Pike County EMA Director Herb Reeves said. “We want to ask people to be prepared and continue to watch the weather, whether that be online or television or radio. It will be one of those days that everyone will need to be weather aware.” 

Pike County has three locations for people that live in mobile homes – or are concerned for the weather – to go in the case of an emergency. There is a storm shelter in the Meeksville community and the Student Center at Troy University will also be available for students and anyone in the community that wishes to take shelter. Reeves said that a decision would be made before the weather arrives whether the Troy Recreation Center will also be opened as a shelter. 

According to the National Weather Service, the worst of the weather is expected to occur from noon on Saturday and last through 3 a.m. on Sunday. 

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey also issued a state of emergency for all 67 counties in the state. 

“The state of Alabama is at risk for potentially dangerous, severe weather throughout this weekend, so it is critical that everyone stays very aware of their local forecasts,” Ivey said in a statement. Now is the time to make any preparations and have a plan, should the weather conditions become dangerous. Certainly, we are no stranger to Mother Nature’s wrath, but I encourage Alabamians to be vigilant beginning tonight. Stay weather aware and stay safe!”

The state of emergency is effected 2 p.m. on Friday and will be terminated by written proclamation following the passing of the weather.