The City of Gadsden said Friday, Oct. 9, that it is preparing for Hurricane Isaias, with city staff ready to put emergency plans into effect as needed. The announcement said the storm’s impact on Gadsden was not yet known.
Mayor Craig Ford said the city held a staff meeting that morning to prepare for possible emergency response. The city said strong winds and heavy rain are its main concerns, while the National Weather Service has identified a slight risk of tornadoes and other severe weather.
The city said it will open five facilities once a tornado watch is issued: East Gadsden Community Center, 921 Wilson St.; Carver Community Center, 1030 Tuscaloosa Ave.; Gadsden Public Library, 254 S. College St.; Senior Wellness Center, 2829 W. Meighan Blvd.; and Banks Park Meeting Center, 2805 S. 11th St.
Police, fire, Public Works and other first responders are on standby, the city said. Debris trucks have been unloaded and prepared for storm debris, all vehicles have been fueled, and the city is in close communication with Alabama Power, according to the announcement.
The city said it will post updates on its Facebook page and at cityofgadsden.com.