BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Due to heavy rainfalls over the past few days, Alabama Power recommends property owners along the Coosa, Warrior and Tallapoosa rivers be aware lake levels are rising to significant levels, and they may need to take measures to protect their property. Lakes Weiss, Logan Martin, Smith, Harris and the Coosa River near Gadsden are all expected to crest at elevations above normal summer pool levels sometime late tomorrow. Other Alabama Power lakes likely will be affected.

Persons with boathouses, boats or temporary structures such as campers, trailers or other property along the Coosa, Warrior and Tallapoosa Rivers should be alert to these unusually high elevations and take appropriate measures to protect their property.

Persons in the affected areas are encouraged to call 1-800-LAKES11 for updated information on lake elevations and conditions.

As of 6 p.m. today, here is the status of the elevations at the Alabama Power reservoirs along the Coosa, Warrior and Tallapoosa Rivers. Elevations listed below refer to feet above mean sea level.

                  Full summer pool   Current elevation   Expected crest by
                                                         late Thursday
  Weiss
   (near Centre)        564                 566                568
  Coosa River
   near Gadsden                             511                512
  Logan Martin
   (near Pell City)     465                 468                472
  Smith
   (near Jasper)        510                 512.5              514
  Harris
   (near Wedowee)       793                 793.2              795
  Martin
   (near Eclectic)      490                 489.3              489.9
  Tallapoosa River                    Above flood stage

These predicted changes in elevations could fluctuate as weather conditions change. However, the expected changes in lake elevations are significant. For example, elevations at Lake Logan Martin could reach five feet or more above summer pool level.

Alabama Power is maintaining flood control operations at affected dams in accordance with flood control procedures established by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company , provides reliable, affordable electricity to more than 1.3 million customers across the state.

  News Media Contact:     Sandi Robinson
  Media Inquiry Line:     (205) 257-4155
                          sgrobinson@southernco.com

PRNewswire -- May 7

SOURCE: Alabama Power