Hurricane Delta: Gov. Kay Ivey Declares State Of Emergency

MONTGOMERY, AL — Gov. Kay Ivey Tuesday declared a state of emergency for Alabama ahead of Hurricane Delta, which is expected to make landfall along the Gulf Coast Saturday.

Just two weeks after Alabama was hit hard by Hurricane Sally, Delta — currently a Category 4 storm — is expected to hit Louisiana and travel into Mississippi, bringing heavy rain and wind into parts of Alabama Saturday and Sunday.

"As our coastal areas are still recovering from Hurricane Sally, another system, Hurricane Delta, is making its way toward the Gulf Coast and could potentially have a significant impact on Alabama," Ivey said in her statement Tuesday. "Therefore, I signed a State of Emergency to begin Alabama’s preparation process and position us to be able to declare a pre-landfall disaster declaration with FEMA. As residents along the Gulf Coast know all too well, these storms are unpredictable, and I strongly encourage everyone to take Hurricane Delta seriously. We are keeping a close eye on this approaching storm and we will continue providing all necessary updates."

Meteorologist James Spann said Delta will likely be a Category 2 storm by the time it makes landfall. "While the primary storm surge and wind damage threat will be west of Alabama, across southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi coast, some surge flooding is likely along the Alabama Gulf Coast Friday into Saturday morning," Spann said. "It is a little too early to forecast surge amounts. Sustained winds of 20-35 mph look likely for Mobile and Baldwin counties Friday night, with gusts to 40 mph."

Delta is the 25th named storm and the ninth hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, and the third major hurricane in the Atlantic this year.