Hurricane Zeta Update: Tropical Storm Warning Issued

BIRMINGHAM, AL — As Hurricane Zeta begins to move into southeast Louisiana Wednesday afternoon, the storm is expected to speed through Alabama Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

The National Weather Service issued a tropical storm warning Wednesday for 38 counties located in the central part of Alabama.

The NWS said Zeta is expected to bring a storm surge of 6-9 feet for Dauphin Island, 4-6 feet for Mobile Bay and 3-5 feet for Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Winds over Mobile and Baldwin counties could gust to 70 mph in spots Wednesday evening; a tropical storm warning is in effect.

Meteorologist James Spann said Zeta will bring a high-wind event to the inland sections of the state. "We will deal with periods of rain today with temperatures in the 70s; the main wind and rain associated directly with Zeta will come tonight, and there is potential for a high-impact wind event for much of the state," Spann said.

"Because of the rapid movement of the system, Zeta won’t have much time to weaken over inland Alabama. That fast forward motion will also add to the wind potential of the system," he said. "Accordingly, this now looks like it has potential to be a high-impact wind event for inland parts of Alabama late tonight; sustained winds of 25-45, with gusts to 65 mph in a few places south of I-59. This will bring the potential for significant tree and power line damage to much of the state late tonight."

The National Weather Service said Wednesday that the core of the highest wind for central and northeast Alabama will come from midnight to 6 a.m. The higher winds will be along and south of I-59.

"The greatest concern will come from falling trees late tonight and before dawn Thursday," Spann said. "If you live in a mobile home surrounded by pine trees, I would consider spending the night in a different place tonight."

Spann added that a few isolated brief tornadoes are possible overnight as well, with the highest risk occurring over the southern half of the state.

"For any one spot, the highest winds will last about two to three hours," Spann said. "Rain amounts over the next 24 hours will be between 1 and 3 inches; a Flash Flood Watch is in effect for much of central and southwest Alabama."

Spann said Alabama residents should prepare for power outages.

SEE ALSO:

Area Schools Opening Late Thursday Due To Zeta