Hurricane Isaias: Storm Surge, Hurricane Warnings Issued

Residents across southwest Alabama, northwest Florida, south central Alabama, and inland southeast Mississippi are urged to finalize preparations immediately as Hurricane Isaias is expected to approach the Northern Gulf Coast as a dangerous hurricane on Friday.

The National Weather Service in Mobile, AL, issued a Tropical Cyclone Local Statement on October 8 at 10:09 PM CDT, upgrading Hurricane Watches and Tropical Storm Warnings to a Hurricane Warning for Conecuh and Covington counties. Hurricane Isaias, currently with 105 mph winds, is located approximately 370 miles south of Mobile, AL, and is moving northeast at 14 mph.

A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for Baldwin Central, Baldwin Coastal, Escambia Coastal, Mobile Central, Mobile Coastal, Okaloosa Coastal, and Santa Rosa Coastal areas. Hurricane Warnings also cover Baldwin Inland, Conecuh, Covington, Escambia, Escambia Inland, Mobile Inland, Okaloosa Inland, and Santa Rosa Inland. Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for Butler, Clarke, Crenshaw, George, Greene, Monroe, Washington, and Wilcox, with Tropical Storm Watches for Choctaw, Perry, Stone, and Wayne.

Life-threatening storm surge of 5 to 7 feet above normally dry ground is possible near and east of landfall. Damaging hurricane-force winds of 74 to 110 mph are expected, particularly across the western Florida Panhandle, causing potential widespread power outages and structural damage. Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches, with localized amounts up to 10-15 inches, could lead to significant flooding. A dangerous tornado event is also possible across portions of coastal Alabama, northwest Florida, and south central Alabama.

Evacuation orders have been issued in some coastal counties. Residents in affected areas should complete all preparations, secure property, and move to a safe location before strong winds or flooding begin. If relocating, leave as early as possible. Do not underestimate the dangers of storm surge; heed all evacuation orders. For detailed information, contact your local emergency management agency: Baldwin County (251-972-6807), Mobile County (251-460-8000), Escambia County, FL (850-471-6400), Santa Rosa County, FL (850-983-5360), Okaloosa County, FL (850-651-7150). The next update from NWS Mobile AL is expected around 4 AM CDT or sooner.