Isaias Impacts Felt Friday Through Saturday
Tropical Storm Isaias continues to strengthen over the southwestern Gulf. The storm is forecast to become a hurricane Thursday and could intensify into a Category 2 hurricane before making landfall somewhere along the northern Gulf Coast Friday night. Impacts from Isaias will be felt across our area Friday night through Saturday afternoon.
In the meantime, we have a mainly clear and mild night ahead. Temperatures will fall into the upper 50s to lower 60s overnight. Mostly sunny skies return Thursday, with temperatures warming nicely into the mid to upper 80s during the afternoon.
Our weather will begin going downhill Friday as Isaias approaches the Gulf Coast. The storm is forecast to reach hurricane strength Thursday and could intensify into a Category 2 hurricane Friday. Landfall is expected near or along the Alabama Gulf Coast Friday evening.
The current NHC forecast track brings the tropical system northward into Alabama. This track would bring strong winds and heavy rain across much of our area Friday night into Saturday. Wind gusts could reach 40 to 50 mph, with some areas potentially seeing gusts closer to 60 mph. Winds of this strength will likely bring down some trees and could lead to scattered power outages.
Heavy rainfall will also be a major concern. Rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches are possible, with locally higher amounts. Flash flooding could become a significant problem, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Areas along and east of the storm’s track will also face a tornado threat. Tropical tornadoes can develop quickly and often provide very little warning, so be prepared to move to a safe place immediately if a warning is issued for your location.
Weather conditions could begin improving as early as late Saturday afternoon. Isaias is expected to increase its forward speed as it moves northward, allowing the system to exit Alabama relatively quickly.
Much calmer weather returns Sunday with mostly sunny skies. Next week is also looking mainly sunny and warm, with afternoon highs generally reaching the mid to upper 80s.
