In her ninth and final State of the State address, Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday asked the state legislature to fund a notification and “resilience” plan she said was inspired by July floods that killed 25 Texas campers and two teenage counselors.
“As we continue addressing longstanding challenges, we must also prepare for the unknown,” Ivey said.
“The Alabama Resilience Council evaluates our state’s ability to prepare for both natural and manmade disasters. Representative Chip Brown and Senator Steve Livingston will carry legislation to ensure we have a statewide resilience plan. Every Alabamian is worthy of a resilient community when disaster strikes.”
Details of the “resilience plan” were not immediately clear but Ivey said it included a flood notification system she wants in effect by this summer.
“Looking only at last year, our country experienced devastating weather events, including the horrific flooding in Texas that claimed the lives of fellow Alabamians, the youngest being Sarah Marsh, who was away at summer camp.”
Sarah Marsh was an 8-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, who was among the 27 killed in flooding at Camp Mystic.
The 100-year-old all-girls Christian sleepaway retreat was hit by fast-rising waters on the Guadalupe River that swept away two cabins.
Flash flooding is a common occurrence in Alabama, with multiple flash flood warnings issued by the National Weather Service each year.
Alabama is at risk from flash flooding from storms but also river flooding and flooding caused by landfalling tropical systems.
The National Weather Service issues timely flood watches and warnings. However, those are often not heeded, and many have been trapped in their vehicles while trying to cross flooded roadways.
In August, an Alabamian was killed while trying to save a friend during flash flooding when the car he was in was swept away during a flash flood in Cleburne County.
“Unfortunately, Alabama is no stranger to the wrath of Mother Nature. We are also home to many of our own camps. And y’all, as a former counselor myself, ensuring safety in these spaces is very personal to me.
“For that reason, I am launching a statewide flood notification system that will be in place for this summer. I am also calling on the Legislature to fund this notification system moving forward. We cannot put our young people at risk.”
Flash flooding is possible any month of the year in Alabama. In fact, the National Weather Service issued multiple flash flood warnings just this weekend after severe storms moved through the state.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.