City of Atmore officials held a 48-hour pre-storm meeting at city hall this afternoon to make sure each department was on the same page ahead of Tropical Storm Nate’s potential impact on the area.

Police Chief Chuck Brooks, APD Administrative Assistant Samantha Bennett, Fire Chief Ronald Peebles, Captain Daniel Love, Street Superintendent Calvin Grace and Mayor Jim Staff were present for the meeting.

Brooks said the Federal Emergency Management Agency requires municipalities to hold meetings at different time increments prior to storms. He said since Tropical Storm Nate is moving into the Gulf of Mexico rather quickly, today’s meeting was planned.

“We hold these meetings to make sure that we have adequate fuels and supplies for our first responders, firefighters and police, and for the police department,” he said.

At present, Atmore and the surrounding area are under a tropical storm watch from now until further notice, according to the National Weather Service. Tropical storm conditions are expected Saturday night into Sunday during the day.

According to the National Hurricane Center’s forecast cone map, Nate will enter the gulf in the early morning hours of Saturday and travel northwest. The storm will make landfall on the Louisiana coast Saturday evening. Nate will then travel northeast toward the Mississippi and Alabama coast lines. At present, the Eastern Louisiana coast, Mississippi coast and the Alabama coast are under a hurricane warning.

Brooks said with the high winds and large amount of rains that may fall in Atmore, there has been discussion about those living in low-lying areas because of flooding.

“We planned for every storm,” he said, adding that the city has an emergency action plan. “What we’re expecting out of the public is cooperation and that’s to stay off the roads and stay safe. Expect high winds; flooding.”

While the weather is cooperating, Brooks encouraged residents to get prepared.

“Make your preparations on where you’re going to go,” Brooks said. “If you don’t think your house is strong enough to hold up to all of these winds, check with a family member, a friend or neighbor. It’s not the time when the storm is hitting. Secure your pets as well.”

A shelter, in case it’s needed, has been established for Atmore.

Brooks said the city has been in contact with Escambia County Schools Assistant Superintendent Beth Drew, and have decided that Rachel Patterson Elementary School will be a shelter, if it becomes open.

Brooks said it’s Staff’s call on whether the shelter will open or not.

“There will be a police officer at the shelter 24 hours a day,” Brooks said. “We will be checking for sex offenders and violent felons.

“When you come, be prepared to adequately take care of yourself for three days until we get Red Cross and other assistance for food,” he said. “No pets are allowed.”

Brooks said to make sure your pets are taken care of as well.

In case the storm were to hit Atmore, Brooks said that the No. 1 priority for the city is to make sure a roadway is open to Atmore Community Hospital. The No. 2 priority will be the opening of Highways 21 and 31. He said he’s requested the Alabama Department of Transportation and State Troopers to assist with traffic if the storm hits the area.

At this point, there are currently no evacuations ordered for Escambia County (Fla.) residents, no matter the location, according to the Escambia County Fla. EMA.

Brooks said Atmore residents could see heavy traffic in the city in the next day or two.

“From this point on to the start of the storm, we’re going to have some heavy traffic here in Atmore,” he said. “We’re going to do everything we need to do get them in and out to where they’re going.

“At this time, it’s just a wait and see type thing,” he said. “The city of Atmore, we’re ready to go. All of our people are on standby and ready to go. We just want everybody to stay safe.”

Additionally, West Escambia Utilities have generators and water towers are full of water for residents.