11:20 AM EVENT: HURRICANE WARNING ALERT




11:056 AM AREA SHELTERS
10:53 AM UPDATE FROM JAMES SPANN
10:08 AM NEW DETAILS ON HURRICANE ISAIAS
WIREGRASS: LOCATIONS AFFECTED – Dothan – Cottonwood * WIND – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind – Peak Wind Forecast: 15-25 mph with gusts to 45 mph – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph – The wind threat has decreased from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force. – PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect property should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for limited wind damage. – ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited – Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. – Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. 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 – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect – Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 inches, with locally higher amounts – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major flooding rain – The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely. – PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. – ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive – Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. – Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. – Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. * TORNADO – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: – Situation is very favorable for tornadoes – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for many tornadoes – The tornado threat has increased from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for many tornadoes with some possibly intense having larger damage paths. – PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are urged to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather arrives. – ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive – The occurrence of numerous tornadoes can greatly hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. – Many places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of immense destruction, power loss, and communications failures. – Locations could realize roof and wall failures of sturdy buildings with some being leveled, structures upon weak foundations blown away, mobile homes obliterated, large trees twisted and snapped with forested trees uprooted, vehicles lifted off the ground and thrown, and small boats destroyed. Large and deadly projectiles can add to the toll. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: – Local Weather Conditions and Forecasts: NWS Tallahassee – https://www.weather.gov/tallahassee – Information from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency – https://ema.alabama.gov

9:19 PM WIREGRASS STORM UPDATE: HURRICANE ISAIAS
WIREGRASS: Residents across the Wiregrass are being urged to keep a close eye on the weather as Hurricane Isaias could bring heavy rain, strong winds and the potential for flooding beginning Friday and continuing into the weekend.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect, with a Flood Watch scheduled from 1 p.m. Friday through 7 p.m. Saturday.
Forecasters warn that wind gusts of 45 mph or higher are possible, along with heavy rainfall, isolated tornadoes and scattered power outages.
There is still some uncertainty about the storm’s path, and it could shift a little farther east or west. We’d certainly like to see it move a little farther west and away from our area, but ultimately, the storm will determine its own path. Until then, we need to be prepared for the possibility of hazardous weather.
What about hurricane strength?
Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their maximum sustained wind speeds using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Category 1 hurricanes have sustained winds of 74–95 mph, while Category 5 hurricanes have winds of 157 mph or higher.
The higher the category, the greater the potential for devastating wind damage. However, wind speed is only part of the danger. Flooding and tornadoes can also cause serious damage, even when a storm is not a major hurricane.
Prepare now:
- Secure or bring inside loose outdoor items, including furniture, decorations and trash cans.
- Charge cellphones, backup batteries and other essential electronic devices.
- Test flashlights and replace or recharge batteries.
- Make a plan for power outages, including how to keep medications and essential equipment operating.
- Avoid flooded roads. Never drive through standing or moving water.
- Monitor updates from the National Weather Service in Tallahassee and the Houston County Emergency Management Agency.
The storm’s exact path may change, but being prepared is something we can control. Take the time now to get ready, stay alert and look out for your family, friends and neighbors.

