Governor declares state of emergency for all counties

MONTGOMERY, Al.
Gov. Robert Bentley this morning declared a state of emergency for all 67 counties in Alabama because of the line of severe weather that hit the state today, Bentley press aides said.

A tornado ripped through the Trussville, Ala. area in the early hours of Monday, Jan. 23, 2012.

The declaration authorizes the Emergency Management Agency and other state agencies ''to assist communities and make the appropriate assessments of damage,'' according to a press release from Bentley's office. The release said at least seven counties reported damage, especially Jefferson and Chilton counties.
''Our Emergency Management Agency will continue to monitor this severe weather and will be prepared for any potential impact on our communities,'' Bentley said in a written statement. ''State agencies are on call and ready to assist communities.
''I urge Alabamians to heed weather warnings to protect their families, homes and businesses,'' he said. ''The severe weather outbreak of last year is still fresh on our minds and is a reminder that we must take the threat of severe weather seriously.''