Tropical Cyclone Local Statement

HLSBMX

This product covers Central Alabama

**TROPICAL STORM WATCH ISSUED FOR MUCH OF CENTRAL ALABAMA**

NEW INFORMATION ---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Autauga, Barbour, Bibb, Bullock, Chambers, Chilton, Clay, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Montgomery, Perry, Pike, Randolph, Russell, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, and Tuscaloosa

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Autauga, Barbour, Bibb, Bullock, Chambers, Chilton, Clay, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Montgomery, Perry, Pike, Randolph, Russell, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, and Tuscaloosa

* STORM INFORMATION: - About 710 miles south-southwest of Birmingham AL or about 640 miles south-southwest of Montgomery AL - 23.7N 90.2W - Storm Intensity 85 mph - Movement East-northeast or 60 degrees at 10 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------

Hurricane Isaias will continue to move towards the Northern Gulf Coast, making landfall Friday evening. Winds may gust as high as 40 to 50 mph late Friday night through Saturday, resulting in the potential for numerous downed trees and power lines. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches with locally higher amounts up to 5 inches will result in the potential for flash flooding, especially in urban and other poor drainage areas. A threat for isolated tornadoes may develop across portions of Central Alabama along and east of the track on Saturday, with the highest potential along and east of Interstate 65. Confidence is low to medium at this time.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS -----------------

* WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across Central Alabama. Potential impacts include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile and manufactured homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, especially weaker trees. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across Central Alabama. Potential impacts include: - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, and ditches overflow. - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.

* TORNADOES: Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across eastern portions of Central Alabama. Potential impacts include: - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile and manufactured homes demolished, large trees snapped or uprooted, and vehicles tumbled. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your home or business.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging wind gusts, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of the storm.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large trees or in a mobile or manufactured home, plan to move to safe shelter.

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as in a low-lying or poor drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground.

Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast.

There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly.

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

NEXT UPDATE -----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Birmingham AL around 4 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.