Southern Company prepares for Zeta
<p>Southern Company system personnel are preparing to safely respond to Tropical Storm Zeta as the late-season weather system bears down on the Gulf Coast. Zeta continues to strengthen while crossing the Gulf of Mexico and hurricane conditions are expected during landfall later Wednesday.</p>
<ul>
<li>A <i>hurricane warning</i> extends across the entire Mississippi coastline.</li>
<li>A <i>tropical storm warning</i> is also in effect across the Alabama coast.</li>
<li><i>Storm surge warnings</i> have been issued to include Mississippi and Alabama coastal regions, areas which are served by Southern Company subsidiaries Alabama Power and Mississippi Power.</li>
</ul>
<p>The combination of warnings for hurricane, tropical storm and storm surge means life-threatening conditions are possible, generally within 48 hours.</p>
<p>Alabama Power, Mississippi Power and Georgia Power urged those in Zeta’s path to prepare as company resources readied to respond to the severe weather.</p>
<p>Preparations for Zeta come amid a busy storm season that has seen the Southern Company system help restore power to millions from the Northeast to the Midwest, Texas and Louisiana under the industry’s mutual assistance program.</p>
<p>Crews only recently completed power restoration in the wake of Hurricane Sally. Southern Company personnel also rendered aid in 2020 following Hurricane Laura, Tropical Storm Isaias and a violent derecho wind event that tore through the Midwest.</p>
<p>Those responding continue to follow protective measures aimed at keeping workers safe from the coronavirus. The protocols enable the system and industry to respond safely during the pandemic to keep the lights on and gas flowing.</p>
