Tropical Storm Watch Issued for Dale County: Prepare for High Winds, Flooding, Tornadoes

Residents of Dale County, including Ozark and Fort Rucker, are advised to act now as a Tropical Storm Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Tallahassee FL, effective today, October 8, 2026, at 5:03 AM EDT. The watch is set to expire today, October 8, 2026, at 1:15 PM UTC.

Efforts to protect property should be underway immediately. Dale County is facing potential for wind speeds of 39 to 57 mph. Prepare for limited wind damage, including to porches, awnings, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Expect many large tree limbs to break, and some trees may snap or uproot. Hazardous driving conditions are possible, and scattered power and communications outages may occur.

A Flood Watch is also in effect, with peak rainfall amounts of 2-4 inches, and locally higher amounts possible. Prepare for moderate flooding rain and consider protective actions if you are in a flood-vulnerable area. Heed all flood watches and warnings; failure to act may result in serious injury or loss of life. Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt evacuations and rescues, and rivers and tributaries could quickly swell.

The tornado threat has increased. The situation is favorable for tornadoes, with a potential for several, some possibly intense. Those in manufactured homes or on boats should relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather arrives. Listen for tornado watches and warnings; if a warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. Tornadoes can cause significant damage, power loss, and communications failures. For more information, visit NWS Tallahassee at weather.gov/tallahassee or the Alabama Emergency Management Agency at ema.alabama.gov.