Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Wilcox County: Prepare for Severe Winds

A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Wilcox County, including Camden and Pine Hill, effective immediately. The National Weather Service in Mobile, AL, warns residents to prepare for severe tropical storm force winds, heavy rainfall, and the potential for tornadoes. This warning was issued today, October 8, at 10:06 AM CDT, and is effective until 6:15 PM UTC.

Wind speeds are forecast to reach 40-50 mph with gusts up to 65 mph, with a window for tropical storm force winds from Friday evening until Saturday morning. Significant damage to property, including roofing, siding, and mobile homes, is possible. Large trees may be snapped or uprooted, leading to impassable roads. Scattered power and communications outages are also anticipated. Residents must move to safe shelter before winds become hazardous.

Heavy rainfall of 2-4 inches, with locally higher amounts, is expected, posing a moderate flooding threat. This could lead to swollen rivers and tributaries, overflowing small streams, and localized rapid inundation in low-lying areas. Driving conditions will become hazardous, and some road closures are expected. Heed any flood watches and warnings.

A few tornadoes are also possible. If your shelter is vulnerable, prepare to relocate. If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. For local information, contact Wilcox County EMA at 334-682-4911. For storm impacts, visit www.weather.gov/mob.