Haleyville mayor meets with department heads about severe weather potential

HALEYVILLE - Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri held a meeting with city department heads and officials with Lakeland Community Hospital Monday, March 19, regarding the potential for severe weather.  Sunseri said that all storm shelters will be opened if and/or when a tornado watch is issued, and he might open them earlier if he sees severe weather moving into the area without a watch being issued.

The shelters at the Haleyville Sports Complex are not complete and will not be open, Sunseri said.

All city department heads were told to have their equipment ready to go if needed and staff members ready to assist in case of a problem.  Winston County Commissioner David Cummings, who was also in attendance of the meeting, stated that he already had equipment stationed in Forkville and Delmar if needed.

The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded the area's severe weather risk to "moderate", which is just below the highest limit.  The National Weather Service in Birmingham is stating that the most likely timeframe for severe weather in this area will be between 4-8 p.m, although the area is currently under a slight risk for severe weather.  Strong tornadoes, 80 mph winds and tennis-size hail are possible with the storms today.

Everyone is encouraged to make plans now on where to go in the event of severe weather and to stay tuned to a good weather source for frequent updates.