The recent severe weather in Alabama has limited blood donations as drives were canceled and rescheduled.

“We don’t want to scare anybody,” said Melinda Hinds with LifeSouth. “We are not in an emergency need. However, we are in need.”

Hinds explained that local LifeSouth Community Blood Center offices are sending any extra blood they have to areas in Alabama most impacted by tornadoes and severe weather on Monday and Thursday. She said those areas are most in need.

“You are already behind, but when you have to cancel drives, you need to double the collections the next day just to catch up,” Hinds said.

LifeSouth has scheduled some extra blood drives and mobile collection centers will be staying open a little later, according to Hinds.

“We want to make sure we are at a safe level and we stay there,” Hinds explained, adding that although O blood types are the most desirable, all blood donations are important.

Upcoming drives in Troy will be held Monday at Walmart from 1 to 5 p.m. and at Title Cash on Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.