Governor Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency Monday ahead of the expected impact of Hurricane Michael on Alabama's Gulf Coast.
According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Michael could cause wide-spread power outages, wind damage and debris produced by high winds and heavy rain. Flash floods and tornadoes are possible.
The state of emergency went into effect at 3 p.m.
Ivey is urging people in Alabama to start preparing for the emergency.
"Tomorrow we will start seeing the effects of Michael and those in its path will need to take shelter by tomorrow evening," Ivey said. "Please stay weather aware today and tomorrow for any forecast changes. Most importantly, heed all warnings and instructions from local authorities."
Auburn Campus Safety and Security said in a Tweet Monday that the University is monitoring Michael's approach. With a track east of Auburn, the area can expect limited to heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
"We currently do not anticipate any changes to class schedules or normal university operations as a result of Michael, but that could change as the forecast evolves and the storm moves closer," Campus Safety and Security said in an email to students Monday.
Campus Safety urged students to be cautious traveling on Thursday for fall break.
"For those planning to travel for Fall Break, please monitor the forecast closely and adjust your travel plans accordingly, keeping in mind that the center of the storm may track anywhere within the forecast cone and some impacts will be felt in a wider area," their statement said. "It may be safest to delay travel plans until the storm has passed. If you feel that you need to leave early to safely travel to your Fall Break destination, you should contact your professors directly about your specific circumstances."
Residence halls will also remain open through fall break.
Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Hastings said he is concerned about the storm's uncertain path.
“I am concerned about the cone of uncertainty as Hurricane Michael is leaning west today," Hastings said. "Residents and businesses in coastal Alabama must be vigilant and closely monitor the storm’s path and be prepared for a major hurricane."
You can text “ALALERT” to 888777 to receive information for Hurricane Michael from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency.
Suggestions on how to prepare for a hurricane can be found at www.ema.alabama.gov and on Twitter by following @AlabamaEMA. Preparedness information can also be found at www.readyalabama.gov or by following Ready Alabama on Twitter at @readyalabama.
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