Gov. Robert Bentley has declared a State of Emergency for all Alabama counties in preparation for winter weather that is expected to move through Alabama.

The state of emergency will be effective Wednesday at 6 a.m.

“With winter weather expected to impact Alabama, we are taking precautions to protect Alabamians,” Bentley said. “By issuing a State of Emergency, I have directed all state agencies to take necessary actions to be prepared to respond to the anticipated winter conditions including sleet, ice and snow. We will actively monitor the storm as it begins to hit the state and are prepared to respond to any requests for assistance.”

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency is activating the State Emergency Operations Center in order to monitor the storm and assist county Emergency Management Agencies as needed. State law enforcement agencies have coordinated state resources in order to respond to stranded drivers.

Bentley has authorized 250 Alabama National Guardsmen to prepare to respond to any emergency requests for assistance.