Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Central Alabama: Prepare for Dangerous Conditions

Residents across much of Central Alabama, including Marion, Lamar, Fayette, Winston, Walker, Blount, Etowah, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Sumter, Greene, Hale, Perry, Bibb, Chilton, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Chambers, Marengo, Dallas, Autauga, Lowndes, Elmore, Montgomery, Macon, Bullock, Lee, Russell, Pike, and Barbour counties, are under a Tropical Storm Warning as Hurricane Isaias approaches. The National Weather Service in Birmingham, AL, issued a Tropical Cyclone Local Statement today, October 9, at 4:26 PM CDT, indicating that dangerous conditions are expected to begin late tonight and continue through Saturday.

Hurricane Isaias is approximately 300 miles south of Birmingham, AL, moving north at 17 mph with 115 mph intensity. Significant impacts are possible, including wind gusts of 50 to 60+ mph, which could lead to widespread downed trees and power lines. Rainfall amounts of 1.5 to 4 inches, with isolated totals up to 5 inches, may cause flash flooding, particularly in urban and poor drainage areas. Southeastern portions of Central Alabama face a risk of isolated tornadoes, with a Level 1 to 2 severe risk.

Residents in vulnerable areas, such as mobile or manufactured homes or low-lying flood zones, should plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground. All outdoor preparations should be completed as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. Monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio, and local news for official updates. The next update from the National Weather Service in Birmingham, AL, is expected around 10 PM CDT or sooner.