By By MARY-ALLISON LANCASTER Managing editor
Escambia County residents should see the last remnants of Tropical Storm Arlene by noon today.
The storm - the first named storm of the 12-day-old hurricane season – made landfill near the Alabama-Florida line yesterday afternoon. Arlene's rain and accompanying winds gave the Brewton area a good soaking, and several trees were reported down in county roadways.
The National Weather Service in Mobile predicted that the storm will leave Escambia County by noon today.
While the storm never reached hurricane strength, early predictions were that it would, putting local residents and officials through a sort of hurricane drill as they made preparations for a possible storm.
Friday morning, the local Emergency Management team was watching the path of the storm very closely and urging residents to take the basic precautions when a storm approaches.
Jennings said they were keeping an eye out on "Murder Creek" water levels but as of Friday, forecasters were not predicting the creek to flood. There would have to be at least 12 to 14 inches of rainfall for the creek to flood, Jennings said.
Brewton City Clerk John Angel said Friday afternoon that city officials had just topped off the gas tanks on city vehicles.
Areas prone to flooding issues, such as much of Escambia County (Ala.), may also have problems over the next few days.
Overall weather conditions should improve throughout the rest of the week, however.
In the meantime, Jennings warned Friday that "everyone needs to be taking the very basic precautions."
Friday afternoon, residents living in low-lying areas in Escambia County (Fla.) were told to evacuate, and shelters began to prepare for openings at high schools in Mobile
The local Red Cross chapter in Brewton was taking directions from the EMA all day Friday.
Martin added that when going to a shelter, residents must remember to bring the basics and wear something they will be comfortable in.