By Staff
Tropical Storm Fay continues its path towards south Alabama, according to an update from Escambia County EMA director David Adams just before noon on Friday.
According to Adams, Fay has moved on shore and is currently West of Gainesville, Fla. Movement is to the West at 5 miles per hours and maximum sustained winds are at 45 mph.
"Areas in NE Florida and SE Georgia have reported rainfall accumulations of 20-to-30 inches in some places," Adam said. "Tropical Storm Fay is still expected to track across the Florida Panhandle and into south Alabama over the weekend. Currently models show Fay moving into south Mississippi and becoming stationary, if this happens rainfall totals could be higher than currently forecast."
Rainfall in the area is predicted to be 10-to-15 inches with higher accumulations possible in isolated areas, Adams said.
"Two day totals for central Escambia County and southern Conecuh County are predicted to reach 16 inches," Adam said. "The rain is expected to begin sometime Saturday afternoon and continue through Sunday night. Isolated tornadoes are possible ahead of and during the passing of the storm. Flash flooding is possible and flooding of low-lying areas may occur. If you live in these areas, please make plans now to be prepared for possible evacuation."
Adams said winds are expected to be 20-to-30 mph sustained with gusts to near 40 mph. The winds should start to increase early Saturday and continue through Sunday night.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for south Alabama and the Florida panhandle from Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions are favorable for flash flooding and residents should pay close attention to signs of flooding conditions and to weather updates.
– Staff Report