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Tropical Storm Alberto Provides Test for Preparedness Plans
Written by
Katie Lawson
, Staff Writer, Redcross.org
Monday, June 19, 2006 — Tropical Storm Alberto, the first named storm of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season came and went, making landfall midday last Tuesday southeast of Tallahassee, Fla., before moving up the coast.
After having quickly gained momentum in the Gulf, Alberto weakened before coming ashore. Although failing to produce hurricane conditions, the storm system dumped three to five inches of much needed rain on the area.
Remnants of the storm then moved north along the Atlantic coast and by early Wednesday, Alberto had been downgraded to a “tropical depression,” as it reached the Carolinas. Even so, high winds and flood warnings were in effect well after Alberto passed through, and a few tornadoes were reported in South Carolina.
Heavy rain also pummeled parts of Virginia including Virginia Beach and Norfolk, where weather has been particularly dry.
In all, the American Red Cross opened 23 shelters in Florida for those forced to evacuate their residences. A total of 24 Red Cross chapters were on hand throughout affected areas to serve meals and snacks to evacuees and emergency workers. In addition, nine Red Cross emergency operations centers were opened in the affected areas.
Red Cross shelters were put on standby near Rocky Mount, N.C., as the Tar River spilled over its banks, forcing some residents to leave their homes.
Although Alberto may have weakened before it made landfall, it did give families, communities and emergency officials a chance to test emergency plans and procedures before facing a larger storm front.
Now, with the storm past, it is a good time to evaluate and make any necessary modifications to disaster plans and take stock of emergency supplies, adding or adjusting provisions appropriately. For those without emergency plans, this storm offered a poignant reminder of the importance of being ready wherever you are and for whatever may come.
Remember, a weather emergency can strike quickly and without warning—even tropical storms that can be tracked remain unpredictable. For hurricane preparedness tips, visit the Get Prepared section of redcross.org or contact your local chapter.
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.
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