Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Southern Central Alabama Ahead of Hurricane Isaias

Residents in southern Central Alabama, including Autauga, Barbour, Bullock, Dallas, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Montgomery, and Pike counties, are now under a Tropical Storm Warning. This warning, issued by the National Weather Service in Birmingham AL at 4:15 PM CDT today, October 8, signifies that tropical storm conditions are expected.

Hurricane Isaias, currently with 100 mph winds, is moving northeast at 12 mph and is expected to make landfall along the Northern Gulf Coast Friday evening. All of Central Alabama is under some form of Tropical Storm or High Wind watch or warning. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are anticipated late Friday night through Saturday, with isolated gusts up to 60 mph possible. This could lead to numerous downed trees and power lines.

Rainfall of 1.5 to 4 inches, with localized amounts up to 5 inches, is expected, posing a risk of flash flooding, especially in urban and poor drainage areas. An isolated tornado threat may develop across eastern Central Alabama, mainly east of Interstate 65, on Saturday.

Residents should secure outdoor objects, prepare for potential power outages, and have multiple ways to receive Tornado Warnings. If in a mobile or manufactured home, or a flood-prone area, plan to move to safer shelter. Monitor official updates from weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio, and local news. The next local statement is expected around 10 PM CDT.