Alabama Gulf Coast prepares as Hurricane Isaias approaches landfall
Residents along Alabama's Gulf Coast are rushing to prepare as Hurricane Isaias strengthens in the Gulf of Mexico, bringing the threat of damaging winds, flooding and storm surge.
(CNN)- Residents along Alabama’s Gulf Coast are rushing to prepare as Hurricane Isaias strengthens in the Gulf of Mexico, bringing the threat of damaging winds, flooding and storm surge.
Drivers lined up at gas stations Wednesday to fill their tanks ahead of the approaching storm.
“I’ve been in line about 10 minutes and from what I see, maybe another 20 minutes,” driver Tammy O’Cain said.
Late Wednesday, Isaias reached sustained winds of 75 mph, becoming a Category 1 hurricane and the first Atlantic hurricane of the season.
Forecasters said the storm could strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane by early Friday before making landfall Friday night or early Saturday.
Landfall was expected somewhere between the Mississippi coast and the western Florida Panhandle.
“It is anticipated to be a significant hurricane, significant being the word that the National Weather Service is using now,” Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency Director Tom Tyler said.
Communities along the coast are preparing for possible flooding and wind damage. Public works crews have been filling sandbags for residents and businesses, while homeowners are taking steps to protect their properties.
“We got a couple back doors that, in real bad rain, water tends to come in them, so we sandbag them up,” homeowner Burt Wilchar said.
Despite pleasant beach conditions Wednesday, authorities in some coastal communities were already warning residents about dangerous surf.
In addition to damaging winds and storm surge, Isaias is expected to bring heavy rainfall capable of causing flooding.
“It’s time to prepare like we’re gonna get the worst case scenario,” Mobile County Emergency Management Agency Director Mike Evans said. “Get your business in order, get your home in order, take care of your loved ones.”
