Tropical Storm Ida will make landfall at some point tonight on the
North Gulf Coast. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from Grand Isle,
Louisiana eastward to the Aucilla River, Florida. Of course, this
includes all of the Alabama Coast. This also includes New Orleans and
Lake Pontchartrain.
The center of Ida was 60 miles SE of the mouth of the Mississippi
River and about 165 miles SSW of Pensacola. Ida was moving toward the
north about 18 mph. She is expected to slow down somewhat tonight. The
center should reach the northern Gulf Coast tonight. After landfall,
Ida is expected to turn toward the east tomorrow.
Highest sustained winds were near 70 mph with higher gusts. Weakening
is expected this evening as Ida moves over cooler waters prior to
making landfall. She is expected to merge with a frontal zone on
Wednesday. Tropical storm force winds will extend outward up to 200
miles from the center. Rains from Ida are already moving across the
coast. Total storm rain accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are expected
with a few spots getting over 8 inches. That rain will last through
Wednesday evening from the Central and Eastern Gulf Coast across the
SE USA.
A dangerous storm tide will raise water levels by as much as 3 to 5
feet above ground level along the coast near and to the east of where
the center makes landfall. The storm surge will be accompanied by
large and destructive waves. Around 4:00 this afternoon, moderate to
heavy rain had spread as far north as near Montgomery. The more
widespread heavy rain was over the SW part of the state and within a
60-mile radius of Mobile. Light rain had spread as far north as the
Birmingham area.
BIRMINGHAM AREA AND CENTRAL ALABAMA IMPACT
A Flood Watch will be in effect from 9:00 tonight through Tuesday
afternoon. A Wind Advisory is also in effect from 8:00 this evening
until 6:00 p.m. Tuesday. Rain will become widespread late this evening
and overnight–heavy at times. East winds will increase with gusts to
around 35 mph. On Tuesday, rain will be extensive through the morning
hours, tapering off some during the afternoon. The rain will be heavy
at times during the morning with NE winds as high as 30 mph. Still a
good chance of rain Tuesday evening.
VETERAN’S DAY
We still look for dry weather and cooler temperatures for Wednesday.
Highs will be about 65 and low Wednesday night about 45 mph. Dry
weather will continue all the way through the weekend.
