Storm Surge Watch Issued for Mobile Coastal Area; Evacuations Possible

A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for the Mobile Coastal area, including Grand Bay, Dauphin Island, and Bayou La Batre, as of 11:09 AM CDT today, October 7. The National Weather Service in Mobile, AL, warns of life-threatening inundation from rising water, with a potential for 4-7 feet above ground in surge-prone areas. This surge is possible from Friday morning until Saturday morning.

Residents in affected areas should begin evacuation preparations and assemble disaster supplies. If evacuation orders are issued for your area, leave immediately. Failure to evacuate could result in loss of life. A Hurricane Watch is also in effect, indicating hurricane-force winds are possible within the next 48 hours. Peak winds of 45-55 mph with gusts to 75 mph are forecast from Friday afternoon until early Saturday morning, with potential for winds of 74 to 110 mph.

Extensive damage to property, widespread power outages, and impassable roads are anticipated. Heavy rainfall of 4-8 inches is expected, with locally higher amounts, leading to major flooding. A few tornadoes are also possible. For evacuation and shelter information, contact Mobile County EMA at 251-460-8000 or visit mobilecountyema.gov. Further information and storm impact graphics are available at www.weather.gov/mob.