State and Local EMA Officials are closely monitoring the latest conditions as Hurricane Irma approaches.

Irma has weakened slightly but remains a strong Category 4 Hurricane. The latest forecast track has shifted westward. Further shifts westward in the track could have large changes in the forecast.

How will Irma impact Northeast Alabama? Winds will be higher over the eastern half of the state. From Monday morning through Tuesday afternoon, sustained winds of 25-35 mph will occur, with some gusts approaching 40-50 mph near the center of Irma. Expect 2-3 inches of rainfall over the area during this time frame with the possibility of higher amounts in some areas. Localized or minor flooding of rivers, streams, and low lying areas are possible in locations which received multiple episodes of heavy rainfall.

Expect some lingering showers on Wednesday; The heaviest rain, strongest winds, and tornado potential will be on the east side of the center.

The Alabama Tourism Agency is tracking hotel availability; Florida evacuees can call 1-800-ALABAMA for the latest information.

Locally, there are several lodging facilities with vacancies. A number of Florida evacuees have already made their way into northeast Alabama and Cherokee County to get out of the hurricanes direct and violent path.

• The Bay Springs Country Inn & Marina – Camping & RV – 130 County Road 112 Centre, Al 35960, 256-927-3618
• Days Inn – 1585 West Main Street Centre, Al 35960, 256-927-1090
• Weiss Lake Lodge – 998 Cedar Bluff Road Centre, Al 35960. 256-927-1501

Cherokee County EMA Director Shawn Rogers says that he is monitoring lodging availability on a daily basis. Cherokee County currently doesn’t have any shelters open due to the lack of need at this time however if the need does arise, shelters will be opened.

The American Red Cross also has shelters open at the following two locations:

• Alabama State University Acadome in Montgomery
• Baldwin County Coliseum in Robertsdale

Red Cross Shelter openings will be coordinated between the Red Cross, Alabama DHR, Alabama Emergency Management Agency and the Alabama Department of Public Health. The current plan is a ‘tiered response/openings’ of shelters and only opening shelters as necessary because resources do not exist to open a shelter in each county.

Evacuees in need of an American Red Cross shelter should contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or dial 211.

Below is a list of shelters located around the state of Alabama for Florida residents fleeing Hurricane Irma. Livestock shelters are also included. This information will be updated as more shelters open.

Individual Shelters:

• ASU Acadome (ASU Campus)
  915 South Jackson Street,
  Montgomery, AL 36106
  Contact: Christina Thornton or Tony Simmons
  334-850-4983
• Talladega Superspeedway
  3366 Speedway Blvd
  Lincoln, AL 35096
  Contact: Allen Watson
  256-223-0152
• Ponderosa Bible Camp
  1018 Co Rd 734
  Mentone, AL 35984
  Contact: Michael Posey
  256-845-8569
• Baldwin County Coliseum
  19477 Fairground Rd
  Robertsdale, Al
  251-947-3247
• No Limit Church
  92 Deepwoods Drive
  Valley Grande, AL
  Contact: Toya Stiles
  334-874-2515
• Blue Springs State Park
  595 AL-10, Cilo, AL
  Contact: Joe Clark
  800-252-7275
• Gulf State Park
  20115 State Hwy 135
  Gulf Shores, Al 36542
  334-242-3334
• Lake Point State Park
  104 Old Hwy 165
  Eufaula, Al 36027
  334-242-3334
• RV Park at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium
  1000 RV Trace
  Hoover, AL 35244
  Contact: 205-739-7364
• Westgate Church of Christ
  619 Westgate Pkwy
  Dothan, AL
  334-797-4020

 Livestock Shelters:

• Garrett Coliseum
  1555 Federal Dr.
  Montgomery, AL 36107
  Contact: Randy Stephenson
  334-356-6866
• Houston County Farm Center
  1701 E Cottonwood Rd
  Dothan, AL 36301
  Contact: Mickey Sego
  334-792-5730
• 5 County Complex
  1055 E McKinnon St
  New Brockton, AL 36351
  Contact: Gavin Mauldin
  334-894-5596
• AL A&M Agribition Center
  4925 Moore’s Mill Rd
  Huntsville, AL 35811
  Contact: Altonio Smith
  256-859-5896
• R.H. Kirkpatrick Arena
  2224 Highway 14
  Autaugaville, AL 36003
  Contact: Lee Pittman 334-850-7994
• Pike County Cattleman
  4100 US Hwy 231 South
  Troy, AL 36081
  Contact: 334 566-0892

Alabama State Parks are currently available for overnight stay and pet friendly locations.  Find more by visiting http://www.alapark.com/Map-of-Parks

For hotel occupancy information call 800Alabama or visit http://www.alabama.travel/