The City of Gadsden is opening Mitchell Community Center at 9 a.m. for residents as recovery from yesterday’s storm continues, and parts of Tabor Road remain closed.

Residents and attendees of the World’s Longest Yard Sale should avoid Tabor Road if possible inside the city limits. The southbound lane will be barricaded and cleanup crews will be out working.

Located at Mitchell Elementary School, opening the community center will allow residents without power an opportunity to cool off and recharge their devices.

For residents in Alabama City, the local branch of the Gadsden Public Library is open, and the City will be assessing the need in the area and opening another location if needed.

“Gadsden is once again under duress from the weather, but we will get through this,” said Mayor Craig Ford. “I have deployed every resource possible from the city, and we have assistance available from multiple agencies. I ask for prayers from everyone who sees this message for the safety and security of our residents and visitors as storms continue to move through. Regardless, we won’t stop working to get past this.”

As of 8:45 a.m., Alabama Power lists around 1,800 customers as being without power in Gadsden, and the company has 350 employees working to restore service on Lookout Mountain.

Hundreds of city and utility workers are deployed throughout the city in response, which will continue throughout the day Friday.

The paid portion of Noccalula Falls Park is also closed Friday due to cleanup from storm damage.

Additional storms are expected to move through Etowah County today, so please remain weather aware. Consistent rain keeps the ground soft, which may cause more trees to fall, especially if winds pick up.

For resource assistance, please call 211 First Call for help.