BIRMINGHAM, AL — Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall Friday night and accelerate inland, bringing a high-impact wind event to Alabama. Damaging wind gusts, downed trees, and power outages are all possible across Central Alabama. The most significant impacts are expected between 9 PM Friday and 11 AM Saturday. Friday has been declared a First Alert Weather Day as residents prepare for the storm.
Rain Arrives Friday Evening and Spreads North Overnight
Rain could begin reaching southern parts of Central Alabama as early as 5 to 6 PM Friday. Future radar for 6 PM shows rain moving into areas near Brent, Clanton, Marion, Demopolis, Alexander City, Eclectic, and Auburn.
Rain will continue spreading north through the evening and overnight hours. Heavier pockets are shown near Eclectic and Auburn as the first bands arrive.
Tropical Storm-Force Gusts Expected Late Tonight
Winds will steadily increase Friday night, with sustained speeds of 20 to 30 mph. Tropical storm-force gusts exceeding 40 mph are possible late tonight into early Saturday morning, with locally higher gusts.
Winds of this strength can bring down trees and power lines, leading to scattered outages. Residents should secure loose outdoor items, charge devices, and prepare for possible power loss overnight.
Limited Tornado Threat Focused on Far East Alabama
The overall tornado risk remains limited but not zero. Far East Alabama will be watched most closely, where the risk could increase into Saturday afternoon.
Residents should have a reliable way to receive warnings overnight and through Saturday. Tornadoes in tropical rain bands can form quickly and with little warning.
Conditions Improve Before Alabama vs. Georgia Kickoff
For fans heading to Tuscaloosa for the Alabama and Georgia game, the worst weather should move out well before kickoff. Winds could still gust over 20 mph, with temperatures in the 60s and a few lingering showers possible.
Bringing a poncho and planning for a cooler feel is recommended. Conditions are expected to keep improving across Alabama Saturday afternoon and into Sunday.
Quieter Weather Returns Next Week
Much quieter weather is expected next week, with sunshine, highs in the 80s, and morning lows in the upper 50s and low 60s. Breezy conditions and scattered light rain may linger Saturday evening before clearing.
Another cold front is expected late next week. It currently looks moisture-starved, so rain chances may be limited, but it could bring another noticeable drop in temperatures.
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