Baldwin County officials are watching Tropical Storm Bertha closely as the storm moves closer to the Alabama coast. While putting in the hours to keep the public informed, Baldwin County EMA director Tom Tyler said there is another fight keeping officials busy.
“Sensationalism draws attention, and in this day and age, people are addicted to attention-seeking, so that's always going to be something that's with us,” Tyler told 1819 News.
Online accounts and social media pages often update followers with information on storms. However, Tyler said oftentimes, that information is for clicks instead of safety.
“Don't follow internet hype where people are chasing clicks or trying to monetize scaring the devil out of people,” Tyler said. “Everybody in my industry fights it. The thing about it is that Understand what your situation is and understand what the risks are and then make plans to mitigate those risks.”
The National Weather Service told EMA officials that it does not expect Tropical Storm Bertha to become a strong tropical storm. While officials are monitoring storm surge, rip current dangers and flooding possibilities, Tyler said the system is expected to stay a low-grade storm with winds not exceeding 58 mph.
Still, emergency management officials in South Alabama have gone several years with little tropical activity. They are coordinating with municipal partners and receiving updated information from the National Weather Service.
“Obviously we get heightened awareness at this point in time where we're looking at forecasts and the National Hurricane Center puts out routine advisories,” Tyler said.
Rainfall totals could reach 8 inches in isolated areas. Tyler explained outer bands of the storm could dump rain in a short period of time, and stalled movement could cause flooding in some places. He said local jurisdictions will make decisions as the impact occurs.
While locals can get alerts from local news stations and social media pages, Tyler said the EMA stresses the importance of tourists seeking reliable information to stay updated.
“We ask everybody around here is to help us amplify that message,” Tyler said. “You need to have multiple ways to receive information. You can get that from the National Weather Service, from the Baldwin County EMA, local news outlets. Get your weather information from trusted local sources. Don't refer back to your favorite weather app from Omaha, Nebraska, or from where you’re from.”
As tropical weather intensifies, Tyler urged the public to have a plan and to be familiar with evacuation routes.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day or become a member to gain access to exclusive content.
