Alabamians & Sports Fans Closely Watch Developing Tropical Depression

Meteorologists, forecasters, and sports fans are laser-focused on Tropical Depression Nine, watching closely to see what it could mean for the Gulf Coast and communities across Alabama, including sports events across the Yellowhammer State.

Tropical Depression Nine Evening Details

Current Movement and Future Tracks

• Moving toward the east at around 5 miles per hour
• Expected to shift to an east to east-northeast motion
• Forecast guidance indicates a sharp turn toward the northeast

Current Strength

• Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph
• Minimum central pressure is 1007 mb

Expected Development

• Forecast to strengthen into a Tropical Storm by Wednesday
• Additional strengthening could occur, with hurricane development possible by Thursday

Potential Landfall

• Along or near the Alabama Gulf Coast Friday night into Saturday morning.

Important Forecaster Note

Remember that this is an early look at the potential track and impacts; the forecast could shift as weather conditions evolve over the next several days. Stick with the most recent information, especially as we get closer to Friday, for track, timeline, and strength.

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Possible Impacts

The National Hurricane Center said that “from Friday through the weekend, the system is expected to produce rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches, with localized totals up to 10 inches, across the central U.S. Gulf Coast extending from southeastern Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle. Flash and urban flooding, along with isolated river flooding, will be possible.”

There is also an increased risk of dangerous winds and storm surge for portions of the northern Gulf Coast.

Concerns

My main concerns for West Alabama include the surge of heavy rainfall to our area, how quickly (or slowly) it tracks across the state, and the potential for flash flooding.

Currently, there is a marginal risk of excessive rainfall for Friday, and it increases to a slight risk for Saturday.

Another concern is various events across the state, including the big matchup between Alabama and Georgia at Bryant-Denny Stadium set for this Saturday, October 10.

Mary K. – Weather Forecaster