By Staff
Earlier predictions of where and when Tropical Storm Fay will hit remain the same, according to an update from Escambia County Emergency Management Agency director David Adams at 11:24 a.m. Saturday.
Adams said Fay is currently located just south-southeast of Panama City, Fla. and is moving to the west at 7 miles per hour with sustained winds of 45 mph.
"The forecast track for Tropical Storm Fay has not changed," Adams said. "The storm is expected to track to the west at or near the coastline of Florida, Alabama and Mississippi then turn to the north or northeast somewhere in Mississippi.
Fay is still expected to be a major rain event for our area, according to Adams.
"Rainfall totals are expected to be 7-to-9 inches with isolated areas seeing as much as 16 inches or more," Adams said. "The rain has begun as light rain, but will increase throughout the day, tonight, Sunday and through Sunday night.
According to Adams, the River Forecast Center has forecast “Moderate Flooding” for Murder Creek in Brewton and “Minor Flooding” for the Conecuh River in Brewton. This flooding should begin sometime Monday.
"Flooding predictions are not available for other waterways in Escambia County, but expect similar conditions on all waterways in the county," Adams said. "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."
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.
"Winds are still expected to be 25-to-35 miles per hour with some higher gusts," Adams said. " The main wind impact should be falling limbs and trees that are already dead or damaged from previous storms. Expect some areas of power outage. Power companies have crews on duty and will be working to restore power as soon as possible.
Adams also warned that isolated tornadoes are possible before, during, and after the passing of the center of the storm.
These forecasts may change so please stay tuned to local radio and TV stations and atmoreadvance.com for updates and possible changes.
– Staff Reports
Tracking Tropical Storm Fay
UPDATE: Fay continues path towards Atmore
August 22 – 11:53 p.m.
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 Reports
UPDATE: National Weather Service issues Flash Flood Watch
August 21, 2008 – 4:28 p.m.
The National Weather Service is anticipating flooding in south Alabama associated with Tropical Storm Fay, according to an update issued at 4:30 p.m. by Escambia County EMA director David Adams.
Fay has moved on shore between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville and movement is to the West-Northwest at 5 mile per hour, Adams said.
"Areas in northeast Florida and southeast Georgia are reporting rainfall accumulations of 20-to-30 inches in some places," Adams said. "Tropical Storm Fay is still expected to track across the Florida Panhandle and into south Alabama over the weekend."
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 Reports
UPDATE: Fay still targeting Atmore area
August 21, 2008 – 12:11 p.m.
Just after noon Thursday, Escambia County EMA director David Adams released another updated on Tropical Storm Fay.
According to Adams, Fay is currently stationary just off the east coast of Florida between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville. Movement to the west-northwest is expected to begin soon.
"Areas in northeast Florida and southeast Georgia are reporting rainfall accumulations of 20-to-30 inches in some places," Adams said.
Adams said Tropical Storm Fay is still expected to track across the Florida Panhandle and into south Alabama over the weekend.
"Some models show Fay moving into south Alabama and becoming stationary, if this happens rainfall totals will be higher than currently forecasted," Adams said. "Rainfall in the area is predicted to be 8-to-10 inches with as much as 15 inches possible in isolated areas."
Adams said residents in Atmore and Escambia County should be prepared for possible flooding and stay tuned to www.atmoreadvance.com and local television and radio stations because 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, Adams said.
"If you live in these areas, please make plans now to be prepared for possible evacuation," Adams said.
– Staff Reports
TS Fay expected to dump heavy rains on Atmore
August 20, 2008 – 5:43 p.m.
According to Escambia County EMA director David Adams, Tropical Storm Fay will have a slight impact on Atmore and Escambia County.
Adams reported Wednesday evening that Fay "may have some impact on our area after all."
Currently Tropical Storm Fay is located near Daytona Beach, Fla. and movement is to the north-northeast at 2 miles per hour (nearly stationary), according to Adams. Due to a strong high-pressure system over the Carolinas and a high-pressure ridge extending from that system to the southwest, Fay is expected to start tracking to the northwest and then to the west-northwest bringing her to south Alabama sometime Sunday.
Adams said Fay is expected to continue to lose strength as it passes over land and that the main threat for Escambia County should be heavy rains. Rains in the 3-to-6-inch range are expected between Saturday night and Sunday night.
"Some flash flooding may be possible and flooding of low lying areas may occur," Adams said. "If you live in these areas, please make plans now to be prepared for possible evacuation."
Please stay tuned to local radio and TV stations and your Weather Radio for updates and possible changes.
– Staff Reports