Tropical Storm Warning for Southern Central Alabama; Prepare Now

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Autauga, Barbour, Bullock, Dallas, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Montgomery, and Pike counties. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Bibb, Chambers, Chilton, Clay, Coosa, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lee, Perry, Pickens, Randolph, Russell, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, and Tuscaloosa counties, as issued by the NWS Birmingham AL on October 9 at 4:16 AM CDT.

Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall Friday evening. Residents should prepare for significant impacts, including potential wind gusts of 50 to 60+ mph late Friday night through Saturday, which could cause widespread downed trees and power lines. Rainfall of 1.5 to 4 inches, with isolated amounts up to 5 inches, may lead to flash flooding, especially in urban areas.

Isolated tornadoes are possible across Central Alabama, primarily east of Interstate 65. Eastern portions of the state are under a Level 1 to 2 (out of 5) severe weather risk. Damage to roofing, siding, and mobile homes is possible, and roads may become impassable due to debris. Power outages are anticipated.

If you are in a location vulnerable to high winds, such as near large trees or in a mobile home, plan to move to safe shelter. If your area is prone to flooding, prepare to move to higher ground. Monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio, and local news outlets for updates. Have multiple ways to receive Tornado Warnings and be ready to shelter quickly. The next update is expected around 11 AM CDT.