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By J.R. TIDWELL / Editor

A storm system that caused hours of rain for locations across the center of Alabama led to many areas dealing with flooding and downed trees April 19.

This proved no different for Chilton County, as various reports of downed trees, flooding and power outages have filtered in since the heavy rains began.

Photos of flooding at locations like Timberline Homes at Interstate 65 Exit 205 in Clanton and an area of Lay Damn Road washed out made their way onto social media as the rains continued.

“I want to say thank you to everyone who was working these storms today,” said Chilton County 911 Assistant Director Terra Scott on the agency’s Facebook page. “911 dispatchers did a fantastic job handling things even when they got extremely overloaded with calls.
“Our first responders were awesome getting out in the rain and (lightning) to get everyone help. None of them do it for the thank yous but I just want them all to know how appreciated they are every day.”

The Thorsby Fire Department also took to social media to thank everyone who helped out the town in the wake of the storms.

“Thank you to all of our brothers and sisters that responded to our town this morning to assist with the aftermath of the storm,” the department posted. “Our neighboring departments really showed up and showed out. Thanks to all the community members that donated their time and equipment to assist also. We are thankful that we had no serious injuries and all of our citizens are reported safe at this time.”

The Chilton County Sheriff’s Office posted online that it had “numerous resources” out working due to the weather.

“Please do not leave your home to sight see. We have a tremendous number of trees and power lines down over a large area of the county. Stay Safe! The roads are flooding and more storms are on the way. Please follow Chilton County E-9-1-1 for the most up to date information on the county’s situation.”

Alabama Power Company reported around 2,700 customers without power at 9 p.m. April 19.

“Crews are working as safely and quickly as possible to restore service,” said the company in a statement. 

“The following are also important safety reminders:

•            Stay away, and keep children and pets away, from downed lines.

•            Do not drive over lines or under low hanging lines.

•            Always assume power lines are energized.

•            Avoid areas with fallen trees or limbs where downed lines may be hidden.

•            DO NOT attempt to remove tree limbs or anything else caught in power lines. To report an issue, call Alabama Power at 1-800-888-2726 or contact local law enforcement.

•            DO NOT attempt to make repairs to Alabama Power equipment. Call 1-800-888-2726 and wait for our trained work crews to get there so they can perform the potentially dangerous work.

•            Stay away from areas where repair crews are working. If driving near work crews, obey road signs and proceed cautiously.”