Hurricane Isaias: Storm Surge, Damaging Winds Expected Tonight

Residents across southwest Alabama, northwest Florida, south central Alabama, and inland southeast Mississippi must finalize preparations immediately as Major Hurricane Isaias approaches. The National Weather Service (NWS) Mobile AL has issued a Tropical Cyclone Local Statement today, October 9, at 1:09 PM CDT, indicating that tropical storm conditions are beginning along the northern Gulf Coast.

A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for coastal areas including Baldwin Central, Baldwin Coastal, Escambia Coastal, Mobile Central, Mobile Coastal, Okaloosa Coastal, and Santa Rosa Coastal. A Hurricane Warning also extends inland to Baldwin, Conecuh, Covington, Escambia, Escambia Inland, Mobile Inland, Okaloosa Inland, and Santa Rosa Inland. Tropical Storm Warnings are in place for Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Crenshaw, George, Greene, Monroe, Perry, Stone, Washington, Wayne, and Wilcox counties.

Isaias, currently 170 miles south-southeast of Mobile, is moving north-northeast at 16 mph with 120 mph winds. Landfall is expected this evening as a damaging hurricane. Life-threatening storm surge of 6 to 9 feet above normally dry ground is possible along the western Florida panhandle coast. Damaging hurricane-force winds (74-110+ mph) are anticipated across coastal Alabama and the western Florida Panhandle, with gusts exceeding 80 mph possible in extreme southwest Alabama this afternoon. Widespread power outages and structural damage are expected.

Rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with isolated totals of 10 to 12 inches, could cause significant flooding. An increased risk of tornadoes is also present this afternoon and tonight, particularly in the western Florida Panhandle and south central Alabama.

Evacuation orders are in effect for some coastal counties; check with your local emergency management agency immediately. Complete all preparations now and secure a safe location before strong winds or flooding begin. Do not delay departures if relocating. Emergency services may be unable to respond during peak conditions. Monitor weather.gov or local news for updates. The next NWS update is expected around 4 PM CDT.