By Staff
Gov. Bob Riley on Wednesday declared a state of emergency for four counties — including Escambia — due to the significant rainfall which began on Dec. 12.
Numerous homes and businesses have suffered damage and more severe weather is expected in the state later this week.
By declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes the Alabama Emergency Management Agency to assist communities, make the appropriate assessments of damage and seek state and federal assistance for the affected areas.
The affected counties are: Covington, Crenshaw, Dale and Escambia counties.
Alabama EMA Executive Officer Jeff Byard and Recovery Section Chief Benjie Abbott toured the damage today.
Additional rainfall forecast for Friday has the potential to exacerbate damage levels in the state. Alabama EMA is prepared to extend assistance as needed.