Published: Sun, November 08, 2009 - 10:40 am CST
Last Updated: Sun, November 08, 2009 - 10:47 am CST
Short URL: http://wkrg.com/511680
Local Impacts from Hurricane Ida
by Jene' Young
MOBILE, Alabama - What to Expect with Hurricane Ida:
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Southern Mississippi and Southern Louisiana. That means hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours. A Coastal Flood Warning is also in effect for the same area. Tides stay high for the next two days, about 2-4 feet above normal.
A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect for all of our coastal counties including Mobile and Baldwin AL, as well as Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa FL. This watch is in effect tonight through Monday night. Expect a strong east wind, combined with high tide creating tide levels 3-4 feet above normal. If you live in a flood prone area along the coastal counties, you will need to take action today.
As Ida moves into the Gulf today, increased swells move northward, reaching the Alabama and NW Florida Panhandle coastal waters tonight. Ida will continue to move towards the area Monday, with the center of Ida approaching the Alabama and NW Florida coastline by early Tuesday morning.
Very rough conditions over the offshore waters are expected, with gale force winds developing by early Monday morning with gusts to storm force likely by Monday afternoon. Gale force winds are also likely in Mobile Bay Monday night into early Tuesday as Ida nears the coast.
Winds of 30 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph are possible as far north as Interstate 10. Ida will begin to move eastward Tuesday and weaken. Seas over the coastal waters are not expected to settle later Tuesday night through Wednesday.
Heavy rain is possible late Monday and early Tuesday, especially near shore. Some communities may receive 3-5 inches of rain. The weather clears out and settles by Wednesday.
Boating Forecast:
-Small Craft Advisory is in effect through tonight.
-A Gale Warning is in effect late tonight through Tuesday afternoon.
-Small Craft Advisory in effect from Tuesday evening through
Wednesday evening.
I am not happy about this at all- like everyone else! I am a little confused: the NWS is saying our highest winds will be in the 40 mph range. However, the NHC maps show Ida with winds around 75 mph just offshore MS/AL/FL by early Tues. Just wondering if they'll be raising those wind gust forecasts later today... ??? We have a tree full of lemons and a tree full of satsumas. The kids and I may be out there this afternoon picking all that fruit so it isn't ruined. DH is already securing the boat. Cannot believe this is happening in November! Oh well, life on the Gulf Coast is NEVER boring!