HLSBMX This product covers Central Alabama **HELENE EXPECTED TO BRING FLOODING RAINS AND WINDY CONDITIONS TO EAST ALABAMA** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Barbour, Bullock, Chambers, Cherokee, Cleburne, Lee, Macon, Pike, Randolph, and Russell * STORM INFORMATION: - About 410 miles south-southeast of Birmingham AL or about 320 miles south-southeast of Montgomery AL - 27.9N 84.6W - Storm Intensity 125 mph - Movement North-northeast or 25 degrees at 23 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall on the Florida Big Bend coast tonight. After landfall, the center of Helene is expected to turn toward the north and then northwest over Georgia. The greatest impact on Central Alabama will be heavy rainfall. Additional rain of 3 to 5 inches, locally higher, is expected in the eastern portion of Central Alabama, which may cause areas of flash flooding. Highest wind gust potential will be in areas along and south of Interstate 85, and extending northward right along the state line, starting this evening and lasting through Friday morning. Wind gusts over 30 mph are likely in these areas, with a few gusts above 40 mph possible. These wind gusts may cause downed trees and lead to power outages. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible devastating impacts across eastern portions of Central Alabama. Potential impacts include: - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become raging rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible limited to extensive impacts along and east of Interstate 65. * WIND: Protect against dangerous wind having possible limited impacts across east central Alabama. Potential impacts in this area include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile and manufactured homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, especially weaker trees. 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. Elsewhere across Central Alabama, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown! If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large trees or in a mobile or manufactured home, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of strong winds or flooding. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Birmingham AL around 1030 PM, or sooner if conditions warrant.
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