Tuscaloosa Braces for Hurricane Ahead of Alabama-Georgia Game

Tuscaloosa is preparing for two major events at once as Hurricane Isaias threatens the area just hours before one of the biggest college football matchups of the season.

With Alabama preparing to host Georgia on Saturday night, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox says city officials have spent the week coordinating resources to handle potential storm damage while preparing to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors.

During an interview with ABC, Maddox explained that the latest forecast offers some encouraging news.

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"The good news is that the latest forecast shows that the hurricane is moving fairly quickly, and the worst impacts should be done through Tuscaloosa by 10 a.m.," Maddox said.

The mayor also expressed relief that President Donald Trump's planned visit to Tuscaloosa had been postponed, freeing up additional resources for emergency response and game-day operations.

According to Maddox, the city must remain prepared to respond to emergencies locally and throughout the region while supporting the thousands of fans expected for Alabama versus Georgia.

Maddox emphasized that Tuscaloosa understands the dangers of severe weather, recalling the devastating 2011 tornado that destroyed approximately 15 percent of the city.

With the storm expected to impact the area overnight, Maddox urged residents to avoid traveling between 10 p.m. and noon Saturday.

He also encouraged residents to prepare their homes, remain weather-aware and follow reliable communication channels.

Those include the City of Tuscaloosa, the University of Alabama and local emergency management officials.

Despite the unusual circumstances, city leaders are working to ensure Tuscaloosa can respond to the storm while preparing for Saturday night's highly anticipated football game.