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11:39 AM CITY OF ENTERPRISE ANNOUNCES EARLY CLOSING

ENTERPRISE- THE CITY OF ENTERPRISE: In anticipation of the forecasted impacts of Hurricane Isaias, the City of Enterprise, Ala. will close all city offices at 12 p.m., Friday, October 9. All City offices will remain closed until Tuesday, October 13. City offices were previously scheduled to be closed Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day.
All City buildings, facilities and parks will close at 12 p.m. Residents are urged to stay home and off the roads so emergency personnel can respond safely and efficiently if assistance is needed.
The City encourages residents to remain weather aware, follow credible news outlets and official emergency management sources for updates, and take precautions to protect themselves and their property as conditions develop.
Emergency responders and essential personnel are on standby in preparation for potential storm impacts.
The city is in contact with the Coffee County Emergency Management Agency, and Coffee County (Alabama) Community Emergency Response Team (CC-CERT) volunteers are on standby and ready to assist if needed.
On Wednesday, Governor Kay Ivey issued an emergency proclamation to help make additional resources available if needed in response to the storm.
At this time, no emergency shelters are open in Enterprise, as there has been no identified need. Residents seeking emergency shelter information should contact Wiregrass 2-1-1 for the latest available information.
Residents should take steps now to prepare for potential high winds and other hazardous conditions.
• Secure outdoor items. Bring garbage cans inside and secure outdoor furniture, decorations and other loose items that could become airborne in high winds.
• Stay off the roads. Remain at home unless travel is necessary. Keeping roads clear allows emergency personnel to respond quickly and safely if needed.
• Monitor trusted sources. Follow official City of Enterprise communications, credible news outlets and emergency management updates for the latest information.
• Remain alert. Monitor weather forecasts and emergency alerts and be prepared to respond to changing conditions.
Residents are also reminded that if their property sustains storm damage, they should hire only properly licensed contractors for repair work. Be cautious of unsolicited offers, high-pressure sales tactics and potential scams in the aftermath of the storm.
The Enterprise Farmers Market will be closed Saturday, October 10, due to the forecasted weather impacts.
The Enterprise Parks and Recreation Enterprise Recreation and Aquatics Center (ERAC) will have a delayed opening Saturday, October 10, and will open at 10 a.m. Residents are encouraged to follow the City’s official communication channels for any additional updates before visiting the facility.
The City will continue monitoring conditions and coordinating with emergency management partners. Updates regarding closures, storm impacts and recovery information will be shared through the City of Enterprise’s official communication channels.
The city encourages everyone to take precautions, look out for one another and put safety first.

11:20 AM EVENT: HURRICANE WARNING ALERT

WIREGRASS: A Hurricane Warning means hurricane-force winds are expected
somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours
* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
– Enterprise
– Elba
* WIND
– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tropical storm force winds remain
possible
– Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 55 mph
– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 74
to 110 mph
– The wind threat has increased from the previous assessment.
– PLAN: Plan for life-threatening wind of equivalent CAT 1 or
2 hurricane force.
– PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property
should be urgently completed. Prepare for considerable wind
damage.
– ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.
– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive
– Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some
having window, door, and garage door failures leading to
structural damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some
destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles.
Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks.
– Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
roadway signs blown over.
– Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within
urban or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways,
and access routes impassable.
– Large areas with 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 favorable for tornadoes
– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several
tornadoes
– The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
– PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
several tornadoes with a few 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: Significant
– The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
– 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
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped
or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed
about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.
* FOR MORE INFORMATION:
– Local Weather Conditions and Forecasts: NWS Tallahassee
– Information from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency
– Information from Coffee County Emergency Management
TARGET AREA: Coffee

11:056 AM AREA SHELTERS

HOUSTON COUNTY / WIREGRASS:
List of shelters for families in Houston County and surrounding areas who feel they need to find safety away from their homes.
Logos Church: 736 South Shady Lane, Dothan, AL, 36301 (334-714-9438)
Open 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 9, to 7:00 a.m. Saturday, October 10
Snacks, drinks, dinner, and pastry breakfast provided
Guests must bring pillows and linens
Mt. Enon Baptist Church: 3167 Iris Road, Dothan, AL, 36301 (334-714-8336)
Open 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 9, to 7:00 a.m. Saturday, October 10
Snacks, drinks, dinner, and pastry breakfast provided
Pillows and throws provided
Southside Baptist Church: 423 East Cottonwood Road, Dothan, AL, 36301 (334-207-4787)
Open 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 9, to 7:00 a.m. Saturday, October 10
Snacks and drinks provided
Guests must bring pillows and linens
Memphis Baptist Church: 4595 Eddins Road, Dothan, AL, 36301 (334-701-0080)
Open 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 9, to 7:00 a.m. Saturday, October 10
Snacks and drinks provided
Andalusia- Andalusia Jr. High School, 701 3rd Ave. Andalusia, Al, 36420
Daleville- Billy Adkins Community Center: 200 Warhawk Drive, Daleville. Al. 36322
Enterprise- First Methodist Church Enterprise
217 Main Street, Enterprise
Please note:
• No animals are allowed.
• No supplies will be provided.
• Bring any essentials you may need, including medications, phone chargers, personal hygiene items, blankets or sleeping bags, snacks and bottled water.
Guests must bring pillows and linens
Wiregrass facing flood threat as hurricane moves closer
The Dothan-Houston County EMA notes that the shelters are available to assist Dothan-Houston County Residents. Those evacuating from other parts of the Wiregrass and surrounding areas who are looking for a safe place to stay are asked to call 2-1-1 for immediate information.

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.