Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday declared a state of emergency for 40 of Alabama’s 67 counties as Tropical Storm Isaias continued to strengthen and headed toward the Gulf Coast.
The National Hurricane Center reported on Wednesday afternoon that Isaias had reached winds of 65 mph. Forecasters with the center anticipate the storm will intensify further, becoming a hurricane on Thursday and strengthening even more on Friday as it approaches the coast.
Potential rainfall from Tropical Storm Isaias could range from 3 to 7 inches across an area stretching from southeast Louisiana eastward to the Florida Panhandle, according to the National Hurricane Center. Some specific areas within this broad region might experience higher accumulations, potentially seeing up to 10 inches of rain.
Jim Stefkovich, a meteorologist with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, provided further details Wednesday regarding the storm’s anticipated trajectory and intensity. Stefkovich indicated that Isaias is projected to make landfall late Friday or early Saturday evening, with expectations for it to arrive as a Category 2 storm. At landfall, the storm's winds could reach up to 110 mph, posing a significant threat to coastal communities.
Beyond wind and rain, the storm carries the risk of spawning tornadoes. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency meteorologist noted that tornadoes could develop on the Gulf Coast on Friday as the storm nears. The threat for tornadoes is then expected to extend inland through south Alabama on Saturday, affecting communities in the Wiregrass region and beyond.
Governor Ivey emphasized the importance of readiness in a statement released on Wednesday, urging residents to prepare. "As we approach the weekend and any travel plans, make sure you have reliable information as conditions develop," Ivey stated. She added, "While I hope for minimal impacts, we must take preparations seriously."
The state of emergency declared by Governor Ivey encompasses a wide area, covering 40 counties across Alabama. These counties include Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Chambers, Chilton, Clarke, Choctaw, Coffee, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Dallas, Elmore, Escambia, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Washington and Wilcox counties.
This emergency declaration, aimed at facilitating state resources and coordination for storm response, will remain in effect until October 14.
