...TROPICAL STORM WATCH IN EFFECT...
Hurricane Isaias continues to move generally to the north towards the north central Gulf Coast. It is expected to make landfall as a hurricane along the Florida Panhandle late Friday evening into early Saturday morning. Isaias will gradually weaken as it moves to the northwest into central to northwest Alabama late Friday evening through the day Saturday. Tropical storm force winds are possible across portions of southeast to east Mississippi before it weakens as it moves into central to northwest Alabama. Strong winds resulting in downed trees and power outages and heavy rainfall and flash flooding are possible, with greatest impacts expected generally across southeast to east Mississippi. Conditions are forecast to gradually improve from south to north into Saturday evening.
Peak Wind Forecast: 15-25 mph with gusts to 35 mph
PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force. PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be underway. Prepare for limited wind damage. ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous.
Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. Scattered power and communications outages.
Peak Rainfall Amounts: 1-3 inches, with locally higher amounts
PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are possible. PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life.
Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow. Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.
Situation is unfavorable for tornadoes
PLAN: Tornadoes are not expected. Showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds may still occur. PREPARE: Little to no preparations needed to protect against tornadoes at this time. Keep informed of the latest tornado situation. ACT: Listen for changes in the forecast.
Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes.