Hurricane Watch Issued for Coastal & Inland Areas as Isaias Strengthens

The National Weather Service in Mobile, AL, has issued a Tropical Cyclone Local Statement today, October 7, at 4:10 PM CDT, warning that Tropical Storm Isaias is rapidly intensifying and is forecast to become a hurricane by Thursday morning. This alert is crucial for residents across portions of southwest Alabama, northwest Florida, south-central Alabama, and inland southeast Mississippi.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Conecuh, Covington, and Escambia counties, as well as Baldwin Inland, Escambia Inland, Mobile Inland, Okaloosa Inland, and Santa Rosa Inland areas. Additionally, a Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch are in effect for Baldwin Central, Baldwin Coastal, Escambia Coastal, Mobile Central, Mobile Coastal, Okaloosa Coastal, and Santa Rosa Coastal areas. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Butler, Clarke, Crenshaw, George, Greene, Monroe, Washington, and Wilcox counties.

Isaias, currently located about 630 miles south-southwest of Mobile, AL, with 65 mph winds, is moving east-northeast at 8 mph. Residents should expect significant wind impacts and a life-threatening storm surge, especially along and east of the hurricane's potential landfall. Heavy rainfall of 3 to 7 inches, with isolated amounts up to 10 inches near the coast, is possible, along with a risk of tornadoes Friday through Saturday. Prepare for potential power outages, impassable roads, and extensive property damage.

Residents should immediately check their emergency plans and supplies. Follow advice from local officials regarding evacuations. For detailed information, contact Baldwin County EMA at 251-972-6807 or visit www.baldwincountyal.gov/departments/EMA, Mobile County EMA at 251-460-8000 or mobilecountyema.gov. Additional resources include ready.gov and redcross.org. The next update is expected around 10 PM CDT or sooner.