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.
Dothan: A pedestrian has been struck near the 2800 block of Ross Clark Circle near Fortner Street intersection around the Waffle House. Initial reports indicate minor injuries.
First responders are on the scene. Drivers in the area should proceed with caution.
ALABAMA: From Governor Kay Ivey-Due to the State of Emergency, I am directing that all State offices and buildings in the following counties be closed at noon on Friday, October 9, 2026: Baldwin, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Mobile.
A flood watch will begin in these specific counties at 1:00 p.m. tomorrow. Weather conditions are expected to be both extreme and severe and travel in many areas may be restricted.
In all other counties, each State and local agency head is authorized to make closure determinations based on local weather conditions. Because the safety of State employees is of overriding concern, each agency/department director is authorized to advise his or her employees that – subject to the requirements of their positions – if dangerous conditions exist, employees will not be required to report to work and will not be charged leave. I direct agency heads to report closures to local media outlets.
Each State agency head is reminded that this authority is to be exercised based upon the specific need to protect the health and safety of individual employees. This authority should be exercised judiciously and not necessarily in blanket fashion, taking into account the level of risk of severe weather in the locality of the tropical weather system.
Departments providing safety and direct care services must plan and schedule their activities accordingly, with the heads of those agencies/departments determining staffing needs and work requirements to ensure
the continued operation of essential and emergency services.
I urge you to communicate with your employees and please stay connected with my office for further updates and developments.
DOTHAN: Hurricane Isaias currently has sustained winds of 85 mph and continues to strengthen. Possible wind gusts in the Dothan area tomorrow could bring power outage headaches for residents. While the forecast track has shown little change, any significant movement to the East could bring more trouble to the Wiregrass. Landfall is expected around Perdido Key tomorrow evening with winds around 100 mph. Isolated tornadoes are possible tomorrow night into Saturday morning over the Eastern half of Alabama. Residents are encouraged to monitor changing weather conditions.
Houston County Commission Sets October 13 Agenda, Hears Storm Preparations
HOUSTON COUNTY : The Houston County Commission held its administrative meeting this morning to set the agenda for the Oct. 13 commission meeting. Chairman Brandon Shoupe, District 2 Commissioner Tracy Adams and District 4 Commissioner James Ivey were in attendance.
Four items will go before the commission on Oct. 13:
A request from ACCA to approve a revised joint county bid for herbicides
A request to reject all bids for the Cottonwood Ballpark concession stand project due to funding restrictions
A request to approve the final plat for the Martin Farm subdivision in Rehoboth
A request to add a $20,000 appropriation for the Houston County Rescue Squad and approve a county budget amendment
Storm Preparations
Houston County Emergency Management Agency Director Mark Powell updated commissioners on the approaching tropical system, stressing the importance of being prepared.
The system is now officially a hurricane and is expected to be a Category 2 storm at landfall. The worst weather is expected late Friday through Saturday. Houston County is under a tropical storm warning, and tropical-storm-force winds could arrive as early as 7 p.m. Friday.
Powell said the biggest concerns are damaging winds, an unexpected tornado threat and possible flooding. Tornadic activity is often more frequent on the east side of a storm, he noted, and tropical systems are extremely unpredictable.
Residents who haven’t yet downloaded the Houston County EMA app are urged to do so now.
Four to five area churches will open later today as shelters for people who are not comfortable staying in mobile homes.
Rescue Unit Funding Discussion
Members of the Houston County Rescue Unit attended the meeting. Shoupe stressed the need for better communication among all parties, saying misunderstandings and misinformation have been a problem. He suggested the unit seek support from other counties that have also used its services.
Chris Ball, board president of the rescue unit, said expenses increase each year, and outside funding is limited. He said the unit has applied for grants, but many do not apply because the unit is not classified as a first responder agency.
Adams said the county should treat the unit as a first responder in the future and made a motion to increase the appropriation to $25,000.
Ivey raised concerns, voiced in recent newspaper responses, about the unit’s vehicle being used for personal purposes. Ball said the unit is fully operational and stocked for rescues, and that members respond immediately when the phone rings. He added that he pays for the vehicle’s fuel out of his own pocket.
Ball also stressed that the unit does more than diving. Members help clear trees from roads and are ready to respond to any emergency during this weekend’s severe weather.
The commission will meet on October 13th at 10 AM.
Terry’s Boiled Peanuts is open with Fresh Green Boiled Peanuts . I am on the corner of South State 109 and Hwy 605 South of Rehobeth Al. Come see Me .