By Stephanie Nelson

The Brewton Standard

It’s too soon to tell how Escambia County will be impacted after a statewide state of emergency was declared Thursday for all Alabama counties flooded.

“Many parts of Alabama have experienced excessive rainfall and flooding is a major concern,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “By issuing a State of Emergency, I have directed all state agencies to take necessary actions to be prepared to respond to the anticipated flooding across Alabama. We will actively monitor the flooding, and are prepared to respond to any requests for assistance.”

Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) personnel are in contact with the impacted counties and will be assessing the damage over the next several days. Roads and bridges in many places have washed out and are impassible. Motorists are advised to stop and turn around if they encounter flooded roads. It is dangerous to drive through flood waters.

Escambia County EMA Director David Adams and county engineer Bill Bridges are currently compiling a list of impacted roadways.

“Those will be submitted to the state to see if we meet the declarations limit,” Adams said. “We don’t know what that number is for the state yet, but generally, once that number is determined, then each county is given a dollar amount to meet the level.”

Adams said damage information is also being gathered from the county’s municipalities.

“We had some damages to roads, drainage ditches and other wash outs,” he said of areas in the county. “We didn’t have any individual damages reported, so we will be looking at public assistance for infrastructure if we meet the damage threshold.”