By Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency
CLANTON – 9 am September 5, 2018
Gordon is now a tropical depression in Mississippi this morning and continues to move northwest away from Alabama. All hurricane and tropical storm warnings have been discontinued.
However, reports of up to eight inches of rain fell yesterday, and bands of heavy rain will continue today for the southern and western portions of the state. An additional 2-4 inches with some spots approaching six inches will occur. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the counties in green shown in the graphic above.
Also, there is enough turning of the wind with height that a couple of tornadoes could develop in the dark green area shown below.
These types of tornadoes can develop very rapidly, and difficult to see due to being rain wrapped. Make sure you can receive any warnings that are issued. Please do not drive into flooded areas. It only takes about 18 inches of water to make your vehicle lose contact with the road and it is easy to misjudge the depth of water.
Also, dangerous rip currents will continue along the coast for the remainder of the week. For those planning on going to the coast, please heed the advice of local beach patrol and flag warning systems.
Finally, within the next couple of days, there will be three (yes, three!) tropical systems in the Atlantic. Although these are more than a week away from any potential impacts to the US, remember that a system like Gordon could also develop quickly in the Gulf. We are in the peak of hurricane season until mid-October.
