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UPDATE 11:50 AM:

UPDATE 11:37 AM:

Hurricane Helene is currently moving toward the north northwest at 10 mph through the southern Gulf of Mexico. A turn toward the north northeast with an increase in forward speed is expected later today
through Thursday, bringing the center of Helene across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and to the Florida Big Bend coast by Thursday evening.

After landfall, Helene is expected to slow down and turn toward the northwest over the southeastern United States Friday and Saturday. An area of 40-50 mph wind gusts is expected to occur generally near and south of the I-85 corridor Thursday evening through Friday morning.

With these wind speeds, expect downed trees and power outages across portions of southeast Central Alabama. Additionally, rainfall amounts of 3 to 7 inches are expected, across much of east Central Alabama, with locally higher amounts, which may cause localized flash flooding.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
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* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts near and south of I-85 corridor. Potential impacts in this area include:

Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile and manufactured homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles.

Several large trees snapped or uprooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible extensive impacts east of I-65 corridor. Potential impacts include:

Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.
Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become
stressed.
Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

* TORNADOES:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across Central Alabama.

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UPDATE 11:19 AM:

A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED – Valley – Lanett – Lafayette *

WIND – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind – Peak Wind Forecast: 10-20 mph with gusts to 40 mph –

THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58 to 73 mph –

PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical storm force. –

PREPARE: Efforts to protect life and property should now be underway. Prepare for significant wind damage. –

ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous. –

POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant – Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile and manufactured homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles. – Several large trees snapped or uprooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. – Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. – Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines.

* FLOODING RAIN – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect – Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 6-10 inches, with locally higher amounts –

THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major flooding rain –

PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely. –

PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. –

ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life. –

POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive – Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. – Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. – Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.