Hurricane Isaias Approaches: Life-Threatening Winds and Storm Surge Expected

MOBILE, AL – Residents in southwest Alabama, northwest Florida, south central Alabama, and inland southeast Mississippi are urged to prepare immediately for Hurricane Isaias. The National Weather Service in Mobile, AL issued a Tropical Cyclone Local Statement at 10:31 PM CDT on October 9, indicating the hurricane, with 90 mph winds, is moving north at 20 mph.

Life-threatening wind impacts and storm surge are expected to persist through late tonight. Coastal areas of the western Florida Panhandle and Alabama can expect storm surge inundation of 5 to 7 feet above normally dry ground. Significant wind damage, including downed trees, power lines, widespread power outages, and potential roof damage, is anticipated in the western Florida Panhandle and south central Alabama.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Baldwin, Mobile, Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties, both coastal and inland, along with Butler, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, and Monroe counties. A Storm Surge Warning is active for Baldwin, Mobile, Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa coastal areas. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Choctaw, Clarke, George, Greene, Perry, Stone, Washington, Wayne, and Wilcox counties.

Additional rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with localized amounts up to 6 inches, is possible east of the Alabama River, leading to potential widespread flooding. Residents in flood-prone areas should consider moving to higher ground and never drive through flooded roadways. Monitor official storm information from weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio, or local news outlets. The next update is expected around 4 AM CDT or sooner.