National Weather Service designates Mobile as StormReady; city highlights preparedness work

The National Weather Service recognized the City of Mobile Sept. 16 as a StormReady community, marking what the city called a milestone in preparedness for hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and other hazardous weather. Jason Beaman, meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service in Mobile, told the council the designation "is a testament to the city's commitment to public safety" and cited requirements such as multiple ways to receive weather warnings, public readiness promotion and a formal hazardous weather plan that includes exercises. Mayor William S. Stimpson and city staff thanked public safety personnel and the Office of Resilience for coordinating across departments. The mayor noted the designation joins other recognitions such as an ISO-1 fire rating and said the goal is to ensure city personnel are prepared to perform at "peak capacity" if a storm occurs. Beaman said Mobile is the second community in Alabama to receive the StormReady designation and thanked the city's public safety team for meeting the program's criteria. The city said further outreach and preparedness programs, including public education and interdepartmental drills, will continue as part of maintaining readiness.