Alabama Watches Closely: Tropical System May Intensify into a Hurricane

Significant attention is focused on a disturbance poised to intensify into a hurricane as it organizes over deep, warm waters within a highly moist environment. Once it forms an inner core, these ideal conditions are set to drive its rapid strengthening.

But, as of right now, there is still no organized center.

Meteorologists and emergency personnel strongly advise Florida to Louisiana residents to keep a close eye on the weather forecast. Staying informed is crucial as conditions evolve this could change potential impacts and forecasts.

 The Weather Channel said, "Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is expected to become a strong hurricane and make landfall this week, likely Thursday in the Florida Panhandle or along the northern Gulf Coast.”

Key Messages from James Spann

ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist

The Alabama Gulf Coast and the western Florida Panhandle (Pensacola to Panama City Beach) are on the good west side of the circulation for now with an offshore flow.

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The main impacts of storm surge, wind, freshwater flooding, and isolated tornadoes will be along and to the east of the track center line—Carrabelle to Cedar Key. The West Coast of Florida will have some wind/rain/storm surge impact, including Tampa/St. Pete.

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The amount of rain in Alabama Wednesday through Friday is currently expected to be in the 2-5 inch range for the northern and eastern counties, with lighter amounts for West and South Alabama.

The highest wind velocities will likely be east of Alabama Thursday and Thursday night across Georgia, but gusts could be in the 35-45 mph range across Southeast Alabama.

College Football Saturday Thoughts

"For the college football games on Saturday in Alabama, we expect nothing more than isolated showers. No high wind issues," said Spann.