NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 3, 2011 TIME: 4:00 pm

CONTACT: Patrick Huselton, Public Information Officer 256.549.4575 (Office)

ema@cityofgadsden.com 256.438.9797 (Cell)

256.547.7952 (Fax)

Donations and Volunteer Update

Dial 2-1-1 First Call for Help is still operating the volunteer registration center at the Family Success Center located at 821 East Broad Street from 10 am – 2 pm Monday through Friday. American Red Cross (256) 547-8667 located at 405 South 4^th Street in Gadsden has an immediate need for volunteers to answer phones, organize donation room and be on standby for delivery of supplies.

No clothing donations are being accepted at this time by Etowah County VOAD. Those who wish to donate clothes can take them to area clothes closets so that they can replenish their supply.

Plastic bins (Rubbermaid type) are being requested by American Red Cross. Please take the bins to American Red Cross at 405 South 4^th Street.

Non perishable food items are being accepted at all locations of Johnsons Giant Foods, both locations of Walmart, Food World in Rainbow City, and Winn Dixie, Rainbow City.

For house to curb debris removal contact Etowah County RSVP at 256-549-8147.

Donations may be made locally to the American Red Cross Chapter of Etowah County, 405 Sth Street, Gadsden, Alabama or to United Way of Etowah County P O Box 1175, Gadsden, Alabama 35902. Please designate Etowah County Disaster Relief in the “FOR” line.

For more information, please contact the Gadsden/Etowah EMA at 256-549-4575.

Severe Weather Likely Today

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has upgraded the risk for severe weather today to moderate. The primary window for severe weather will be from 3p - 3a. However, with the main squall line moving through central Mississippi as of 8 am, this may be moved up.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high threat of tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail with this storm system. Specifically, the SPC rates our area's chances of seeing an EF2 - EF5 tornado 25 miles within a given point at 10%. In addition, SPC rates the chances of seeing 75 mph or higher within any given point at 15%.

Based on these forecasts, it would be a good idea to keep updated on the weather today, as the potential exists for a significant severe weather outbreak. We encourage everyone to keep a source of weather information close by. You can check your weather radios by doing the following:

• Make sure your SAME code is set to 001055 (Etowah County)
• Hit the weather button on your radio to make sure you can hear National Weather Service audio. If not, try setting your channel to "4".
• Check your batteries by unplugging the radio. If the radio stays on, the batteries are good. If the radio turns off, then you should replace the batteries.

Severe Weather Possible on Friday

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) maintains a slight risk of severe weather for Etowah County on Friday, April 15th.

Currently, the threat of severe weather is forecast to begin after 3 pm and end before midnight. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high threat of tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail during this time period.

Based on these forecasts, it would be a good idea to keep updated on the weather tomorrow, as the potential exists for a significant severe weather outbreak. We encourage everyone to keep a source of weather information close by. You can check your weather radios by doing the following:

• Make sure your SAME code is set to 001055 (Etowah County)
• Hit the weather button on your radio to make sure you can hear National Weather Service audio. If not, try setting your channel to "4".
• Check your batteries by unplugging the radio. If the radio stays on, the batteries are good. If the radio turns off, then you should replace the batteries.