By Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency
CLANTON – 7 am September 4, 2018
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for coastal Mobile and Baldwin counties, a Flash Flood Watch is in effect for southwest Alabama this afternoon into Wednesday night and Tornado Watches are possible later today into tonight.
All preparations need to be completed by 12 pm today as tropical storm force winds between 39-73 mph will start affecting the coastal region beginning this afternoon. Combined with heavy rain and the potential for tornadoes, it is life threatening to drive or be anywhere outdoors once these conditions begin. Make sure you are following all recommendations from your local officials.
Widespread 2-5 inches of rain with the potential for 6-10 inches will occur in the southwestern sections of the state.
Storm surge of 3-5 feet above ground level is expected on the west end of Dauphin Island, Bayou La Batre, and Coden, with 2-4 feet of surge in Mobile Bay and areas eastward. The water will be slow to recede on Wednesday due to persistent on-shore flow even with the storm well inland.
If there is any good news with this system, it is that the highest winds and rainfall is relatively close to the center. There will be very little impacts for areas north of a Livingston – Montgomery – Phenix City line.
More information on being prepared can be found at https://www.ready.gov/hurricane-toolkit. For weather information in south Alabama, go to https://www.weather.gov/mob.