The Gadsden/Etowah County Emergency Operations Center activated at 8:00 a.m. this morning at a Level I Activation. Liaisons from Gadsden Police Department, the Etowah County Sheriff’s Department, Attalla Fire Department, Etowah County Volunteer Fire Association, 211/First Call For Help, the Etowah County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Etowah County VOAD Chairman and City of Gadsden City Council Public Safety Representative, Thomas Worthy were all activated as support staff for this event.

Reports to GECEMA as of 4:00 p.m.:

• Highest wind gust was recorded at 10:50 a.m. at 41 mph
• Total rainfall at 2.50 in. since midnight
• 34 reports of trees or power lines down were recorded
• One structure, on Beaird Road in the Ballplay community, was reported as having damage to the roof
• Power outages were reported, at one point, at up to approximately 1600 households throughout Etowah County

We ask that you be patient while efforts are made to restore power. Please continue to alert the GECEMA of any fallen trees or power lines by using #GECEMA on social media, or send reports to ema@cityofgadsden.com. Follow @GECEMA on Facebook and Twitter for updates.