Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is warning those who attempt to price gouge during Tropical Storm Nate will be punished.

Marshall said the state's price gouging law goes into effect whenever the governor declares a state of emergency. Gov. Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency on Thursday, which went into effect at 7 a.m. on Friday. Ivey said during a press conference in Montgomery that the declaration frees up resources and personnel that maybe needed after Nate makes landfall this weekend.

The law prohibits the "unconscionable pricing" of items for sale or rent, Marshall said in a press release.

"Although what constitutes an unconscionable price is not specifically set forth in state law, a price that is 25 percent or more above the average price charged in the same area within the last 30 days--unless the increase can be attributed to a reasonable cost-- is a prima facie case of unconscionable pricing," Marshall said.

Those who violate the law will face a $1,000 fine per violation. Those determined to have willfully and continuously violate this law may be prohibited from doing business in Alabama.

To report fraud or illegal price gouging, you can contact the Attorney General's Office of Consumer Protection at 1-800-392-5658, visit the attorney general's website at www.ago.alabama.gov, or write to 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama, 36130.