Isaias Strengthens into Tropical Storm: Alabama Braces for Potential Hurricane

Tropical Storm Isaias has formed and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane, possibly reaching Category 2 status by Friday evening.

Many sporting and outdoor events are planned across the Yellowhammer State this weekend. This Saturday, a few football games stand out: Alabama hosts Georgia at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, while Alabama State University welcomes FAMU to Montgomery for its homecoming celebration. Also, on the event front, you have the National Shrimp Festival at Gulf Shores and the Zach Bryan concert in Auburn.

Isaias Stats

• The system is currently moving east-northeastward
• Present movement is at 8 mph
• Isaias is expected to turn northeastward and then northward on Thursday and Friday
• Minimum Central Pressure is 1004 MB
• Expected landfall is predicted at the Central Gulf Coast near Gulf Shores Friday night

Potential Impacts

The Weather Channel said that the system will bring “heavy rain, storm surge flooding, and high winds to the Gulf Coast, and local flash flooding well inland in the Southeast this weekend.”

Outlook on Incoming Rain

“All of Alabama will see Saturday as the tropical system passes through,” said James Spann, Alabama Weather Network Chief Meteorologist.

“Heaviest rain will be from Mobile and Baldwin counties northward through parts of West-Central Alabama, where amounts could exceed 5 inches. North and East Alabama will likely see 1-3 inches of rain from Isaias. The rain will end from the south Saturday night, and most of the day Sunday will be dry.”

Key Messages from the National Hurricane Center

• There is an increasing risk of dangerous wind and storm surge impacts along portions of the northern Gulf Coast.
• Residents from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle should closely monitor the latest forecast updates and ensure they have their hurricane plan in place.
• Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches will likely be required for a portion of the northern Gulf Coast later today.
• Tropical Storm Isaias will bring areas of heavy rainfall to the central U.S. Gulf Coast and much of the Southeast Friday into the weekend.
• Flash and urban flooding, along with isolated river flooding, will be possible.

The Big Question: How Strong Could Isaias Become?

A few things come into play when answering this question: warm Gulf waters and wind shear.

Currently, water temperatures are in the 80s, and The Weather Channel gives us some perspective: “If wind shear is stronger and more persistent, expect a weaker storm. If it experiences less wind shear, at least for a time, Isaias could become stronger, at least temporarily.”

Mary K. - Weather Forecaster

Estimated Arrival Times of Tropical Storm Force Winds

National Hurricane Center

Rainfall Potential

National Hurricane Center

Flash Flooding Potential

National Hurricane Center