Communities across the Gulf Coast braced for historic floods and life-threatening storm surge after Hurricane Sally made landfall as a Category 2 storm Wednesday morning near Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Sally weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm by 2 p.m. Wednesday, officials with the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center said. It was downgraded to a tropical depression late Wednesday.
Here are the latest updates:
Update 3:10 p.m. EDT Sept. 17: Florida and Alabama state emergency management officials are concerned about flooding to some counties.
In the Florida panhandle, Escambia County Emergency Management Manager Eric Gilmore noted the dangers from cresting rivers.
“We are not out of the woods yet,” he said.
Brian Hastings, Alabama Emergency Management Agency director, said inland flooding is a concern. Many rivers are expected to be in moderate of major flood state through the weekend.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Update 1:25 p.m. EDT Sept. 17: Post-Tropical Depression Sally is dropping heavy rainfall on the Carolinas as the storm system continues to fall apart after making landfall, weather officials said in a recent update.
Scattered tornadoes are possible as the storm moves through the northeast.
Flash flood watches are issued for northeast Georgia through upstate South Carolina, for most of North Carolina and parts of southeast Virginia.
Swells from the storm are causing life-threatening surf and rip conditions from the Florida Big Bend to southeastern Louisiana.
Post-Tropical Cyclone #Sally Advisory 26: Post-Tropical Depression Sally Still Producing Torrential Rains Over the Carolinas. A Few Tornadoes Possible as Sally Moves Northeast Across Carolinas Through Tonight. https://t.co/VqHn0uj6EM
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 17, 2020
Update 5:03 a.m. EDT Sept. 17: Tropical Depression Sally continues to produce torrential rains over eastern Alabama and western and central Georgia, the National Hurricane Center said early Thursday.
In its 5 a.m. EDT advisory, the storm, which had maximum sustained winds of 30 mph, was located about 50 miles southeast of Montgomery, Alabama. It was moving northeast at 12 mph.
There are no coastal watches or warnings currently in effect in connection with the storm, forecasters said.
Tropical Depression #Sally Advisory 25: Tropical Depression Sally Still Producing Torrential Rains Over Eastern Alabama and Western and Central Georgia. This is the Last Advisory Issued By the National Hurricane Center. https://t.co/VqHn0u1vgc
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 17, 2020
Update 10:50 p.m. EDT Sept. 16: Sally was downgraded to a tropical depression but continued to drop torrential rains over eastern Alabama and western Georgia.
According to the National Hurricane Center’s 11 p.m. EDT advisory, the center of Sally was located 30 miles south-southeast of Montgomery, Alabama. The storm’s maximum sustained winds dropped to 30 mph, and the storm continues to move northeast at 9 mph.
The weakening storm will move across southeastern Alabama late Wednesday, over central Georgia on Thursday, and move over South Carolina on Thursday night.
Tropical Depression #Sally Advisory 24: Sally Still Causing Torrential Rains Over Eastern Alabama And Western Georgia. https://t.co/VqHn0u1vgc
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 17, 2020
Update 9:55 p.m. EDT Sept. 16: The mayor of Orange Beach, Alabama, said Hurricane Sally has killed at least one person, and that the victim’s wife is still missing, several media outlets reported.
Tony Kennon told reporters that the fatality happened on the north side of Orange Beach, where there was a significant amount of flooding. The mayor also said about 120 people were rescued, WTVY reported.
The names of the man and woman have not been released, the television station reported. Kennon did not say how the man died.
Mayor Tony Kennon said the fatality happened on the north side of Orange Beach, where there was a significant amount of flooding. https://t.co/yVszwBxnjh
— WTVYNews4 (@WTVYNews4) September 16, 2020
Update 7:59 p.m. EDT Sept. 16: Tropical Storm Sally weakened into a minimal storm but continued to dump heavy rains over eastern Alabama and western Georgia.
In its 8 p.m. EDT intermediate advisory, the National Hurricane Center said that Sally’s maximum sustained winds had decreased to 45 mph. However, the hurricane center said “catastrophic and life-threatening flooding” continued over the Florida Panhandle and southern Alabama.
At 8 p.m., Sally was located 70 miles west-northwest of Dothan, Alabama, and was moving northeast at 7 mph.
The next advisory by the National Hurricane Center will be issued at 11 p.m. EDT.
Tropical Storm #Sally Advisory 23A: Heavy Rains From Sally Continue to Spread Northward Over Eastern Alabama and Western Georgia. Catastrophic and Life-Threatening Flooding Continues Over Portions of the Florida Panhandle and Southern Alabama. https://t.co/VqHn0u1vgc
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 16, 2020
Update 5:53 p.m. EDT Sept. 16: Florida’s westernmost county will be under a nightly curfew beginning Wednesday at sunset, the Pensacola News Journal reported.
Escambia County, which was hit hard when Hurricane Sally made landfall, said the curfew will be in effect for the next three days, county Public Safety Director Jason Rogers said at a news conference.
“We will be enacting a curfew from dusk to dawn for the next three days,” Rogers said. “That curfew will be enforced by the law enforcement community that will be here, and we will reevaluate the need for that curfew in three days.”
Rogers added that as of late afternoon Wednesday, 377 people had been rescued from flooded homes.
Hurricane Sally packed a punch that officials in Escambia County weren't expecting. "It's going to take a considerable amount of time to clean up from this." https://t.co/81lyqRf3Xv
— PNJ (@pnj) September 16, 2020
Update 4:49 p.m. EDT Sept. 16: Tropical Storm Sally continues to dump heavy rains as it moves through eastern Alabama and into western Georgia.
In its 5 p.m. EDT advisory, the National Hurricane Center said Sally’s maximum sustained winds had decreased to 60 mph as it moved northeast at 7 mph. The center of the storm was located about 55 miles north-northeast of Pensacola, Florida, and 85 miles west of Dothan, Alabama.
@spann Foley, AL completely flooded and trees down everywhere. So upsetting. #HurricanSally pic.twitter.com/OzK8XMqCIq
— Sloan Norris (@SloanNorris) September 16, 2020
Sally has produced rain totals between 10 to 20 inches, with isolated amounts of 30 to 35 inches across the central Gulf Coast from Mobile Bay, Alabama to the Florida Panhandle just west of Tallahassee, the hurricane center said. The NHC warned that the area could continue to experience “historic and catastrophic flooding,” including widespread moderate to major river flooding.
The National Hurricane Center is scheduled to issue an intermediate advisory at 8 p.m. EDT.
Tropical Storm #Sally Advisory 23: Heavy Rains From Sally Spreading Northward Into Eastern Alabama And Western Georgia. Catastrophic and Life-Threatening Flooding Continues Over Portions of the Florida Panhandle and Southern Alabama. https://t.co/VqHn0u1vgc
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 16, 2020
Update 4:29 p.m. EDT Sept. 16: Approximately 175,000 Alabama Power Company customers were without power Wednesday afternoon as Tropical Storm Sally continued to push through the state, the Opelika-Auburn News reported.
The vast majority of outages were centered in the Mobile area, according to Alabama Power Company.
175,000 Alabama Power customers without power so far.
— Troy Turner (@troyturnernews) September 16, 2020
Local officials to non-essential drivers: Go home! #HurricaneSally https://t.co/SenqGmUTla
Update 3:10 p.m. EDT Sept. 16: Officials are warning people to stay clear of flooded roads as Tropical Storm Sally continues to inundate parts of Alabama and Florida.
Steer clear of flooded roads. Even a small amount of floodwater can hide dangers such as road collapse and debris. #Sally pic.twitter.com/vz7DmiR2F9
— FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) September 16, 2020
Photos posted on social media showed the extent of the damage left by the storm, which continues to churn over the region.
The Dauphin Island Marina has been pretty much destroyed by #HurricaneSally. The storm also took out at least three boats that you can see pieces of floating in the water. @mynbc15 @NWSMobile #alwx pic.twitter.com/Q4EEtkNjQQ
— Laura Barczewski (@LcBarczewski) September 16, 2020
An awning at Navy Hospital Pensacola collapses as Hurricane Sally makes plans fall along the gulf coast on Wednesday. @pnj pic.twitter.com/XAB6au0Eu9
— tony (@tgibersonpnj) September 16, 2020
Bienville Square. pic.twitter.com/exmQEOcoTA
— Lawrence Specker (@LawrenceSpecker) September 16, 2020
This driver apparently tried to cross where a portion of roadway has collapsed on North State Road 85 near Laurel Hill. Folks, it’s not worth the risk. Stay off the roads. Luckily no injuries. ⭐️ 🚧🚘#hurricaneSally #flooding pic.twitter.com/HmO13A5e5w
— OkaloosaSheriff (@OCSOALERTS) September 16, 2020
#HurricaneSally toppled the steeple at El Primitive Baptist Church on Gayle street, fortunately there were no injuries. pic.twitter.com/Xh5fRkTJQX
— Armondo Moralez (@ArmondoWKRN) September 16, 2020
Update 2 p.m. EDT Sept. 16: Sally has weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, officials with the National Hurricane Center said in a 2 p.m. advisory.
Tropical Storm #Sally Advisory 22A: Catastrophic and Life-Threatening Flooding Occurring Over Portions of the Florida Panhandle and Southern Alabama. https://t.co/VqHn0u1vgc
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 16, 2020
The storm has dumped heavy rain over parts of Florida and Alabama, causing widespread flooding. Officials with the U.S. Coast Guard were conducting search and rescue overflights along the Eastern Gulf Coast Region on Wednesday.
#HappeningNow The @USCG helicopter aircrews are conducting critical incident search and rescue overflights along the Eastern Gulf Coast Region for #HurricaneSally post-storm operations.
— USCG Heartland (@USCGHeartland) September 16, 2020
For more information visit our newsroom https://t.co/V05wy33DRh#Ready, #Responsive pic.twitter.com/8Rpy94rM96
Update 1 p.m. EDT Sept. 16: The center of Hurricane Sally is moving over the far western portion of the Florida panhandle, officials with the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center said in a 1 p.m. advisory.
The storm has weakened slightly, though it remains a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, officials said.
12 PM CDT: This will be the last hourly position update for Hurricane #Sally. Next intermediate advisory at 100 PM CDT. https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/Mpss8oZdKQ
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 16, 2020
Update 12:10 p.m. EDT Sept. 16: Flooding categorized by officials as “catastrophic and life-threatening” is ongoing Wednesday afternoon along portions of the north-central Gulf Coast as Hurricane Sally crawls over the region, according to officials with the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center.
11 AM CDT Hurricane #Sally update: Catastrophic and life-threatening flooding ongoing along portions of the north-central Gulf coast. #ALwx #FLwx More info: https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/V8Da2YGDBt
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 16, 2020
The center of Sally remained near the Alabama/Florida border as of 12 p.m. Wednesday, according to the NHC. Photos posted on social media showed widespread flooding and damage caused by the storm.
County Road 55 in Summerdale, AL closed due to flooding at Pole Cat Creek from Hurricane #Sally.
— Jennifer Lambers ⛈ (@jnlamberswx) September 16, 2020
📸: Lauren Walker Potter pic.twitter.com/DpMo3NdorT
Part of the brand new 3 mile bridge in Pensacola is missing (confirmed by multiple sources). #Sally https://t.co/jNI7gTmo4z
— NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) September 16, 2020
Damage on Dauphin Island. These reports keep steadily flooding in. #HurricaneSally #gulfcoast Images courtesy of viewer Scott Carpenter. pic.twitter.com/jDcVyg6dBQ
— Gabby Easterwood (@GabbyENews) September 16, 2020
#HurricanSally: Highway 297-A at Ashbury Lane is under water and currently impassable. @weartv and https://t.co/c6VECh0I0a with live looks at the storm damage and the recovery efforts underway. #HurricaneSally @WEARTV_Showers pic.twitter.com/fEwiQFmxhJ
— AlShowersWEAR-TV (@WEARTV_Showers) September 16, 2020
Pile of boats at Palafox Pier. #Pensacola #Sally pic.twitter.com/5TSYjxa9j4
— Allen Strum (@WEARAllenStrum) September 16, 2020
Update 11:10 a.m. EDT Sept. 16: Hurricane Sally has been downgraded to a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph as it continued to dump rain over parts of the Gulf Coast, according to the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center.
“Historic and catastrophic flooding, including widespread moderate to major river flooding, is unfolding,” NHC forecasters said in an 11 a.m. advisory.
Officials said some areas from west of Tallahassee, Florida, to Mobile, Alabama, could see as much as 35 inches of rain.
10 AM CDT Hurricane #Sally advisory: Catastrophic and life-threatening flooding is occurring over portions of the Florida Panhandle and southern Alabama. #Sally will produce 8-12" of additional rainfall through this afternoon. More: https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/rtCLX0kAwa
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 16, 2020
Heavy rainfall has already flooded several areas, including parts of Pensacola, Florida. Hurricane Sally also pulled down part of city’s Three Mile Bridge, according to multiple reports.
CONFIRMED - Part of the new 3 mile bridge is missing.
— Kaitlin Wright (@wxkaitlin) September 16, 2020
Photo credit Lawrence Rogers pic.twitter.com/CuLGyy4Uyu
The tidal gauge in Pensacola topped out with of 5.6 feet (MHHW) inundation due to Hurricane #Sally this morning. https://t.co/Sd9tesgBNd
— NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) September 16, 2020
Unbelievable flooding in downtown Pensacola. This is on Jefferson at the Holiday Inn Express and Pensacola Little Theatre. Cars are almost completely submerged. People are standing on the hotel porch trapped. @NWSMobile @pnj pic.twitter.com/Stu45JlI3Y
— Annie Blanks (@AnniePNJ) September 16, 2020
Update 10:05 a.m. EDT Sept. 16: The center of Hurricane Sally continued to crawl over the Alabama/Florida border on Wednesday morning, dumping rain over the region.
Officials with the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center said a National Ocean Service water level station in Pensacola, Florida, reported about 5.5 feet of inundation above ground level.
Officials said a wind gust of 77 mph was measured Wednesday morning in Pensacola, Florida. In nearby Mobile, Alabama, officials saw a wind gust of 57 mph.
900 AM CDT Hurricane #Sally update: The center of #Sally is moving slowly near the Alabama/Florida border. Catastrophic and life-threatening flooding is ongoing along portions of the north-central Gulf coast. More: https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/fjDPPgCj8p
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 16, 2020
Photos from the region showed heavy damage and flooding caused by the storm.
Significant storm surge & fresh water flooding ongoing off of Highway 182 in Gulf Shores. Currently about 4 feet of water covering the street. #alwx @spann @StormHour @NWSMobile
— Dylan Federico (@DylanFedericoWX) September 16, 2020
📸 Lorey Price pic.twitter.com/ks7PmiAEsN
Aragon Court neighborhood in Pensacola... https://t.co/cDVJxcNlF0
— Allen Strum (@WEARAllenStrum) September 16, 2020
Magnolia River now flowing over US-98 in Foley, AL @abc3340 @spann @mynbc15 #alwx #HurricaneSally pic.twitter.com/4TERnSdELN
— Stephen Quinn (@StephenQ3340) September 16, 2020
Update 9:05 a.m. EDT Sept. 16: Officials with the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center said in a 9 a.m. update that hurricane-force winds are continuing to spread inland over southeastern Alabama and the western portion of the Florida panhandle as Hurricane Sally passes overhead.
800 AM CDT Hurricane #Sally update: Hurricane-force winds spreading inland over southeastern Alabama and the western portion of the Florida Panhandle. Catastrophic and life-threatening flooding likely along portions of the north-central Gulf Coast. https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/fTUFiWE56o
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 16, 2020
Update 8:45 a.m. EDT Sept. 16: Officials in southwestern Alabama warned Wednesday of “Severe Widespread Damage from Hurricane Sally” after the Category 2 storm made landfall earlier in the morning near Gulf Shores.
Extremely Dangerous Situation. Major Flooding in Baldwin County. Severe Widespread Damage from Hurricane Sally. If you are on high ground above flooded areas, being prepared to stay where you are may be the best protection. Never drive or walk through flooded streets; Turn Around
— Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency (@BaldwinEMA) September 16, 2020
Images on social media showed a portion of the Gulf State Park Pier was ripped away by the storm. The pier has been closed for months for renovations and was slated to reopen this month.
The Gulf State Park pier in Gulf Shores has been ripped in half from #Sally. Photo from Michael B Cummings. @NWSMobile pic.twitter.com/4uv00HQvuO
— Thomas Geboy (@ThomasGeboyWX) September 16, 2020
Now that we have some light...Massive chunk taken out of the relatively new pier in Gulf Shores!! pic.twitter.com/Zx8XEh6lQE
— Stephanie Abrams (@StephanieAbrams) September 16, 2020
Update 8:07 a.m. EDT Sept. 16: Hurricane-force winds are now occurring in Pensacola, Florida, the National Weather Center said Wednesday morning.
In its 8 a.m. EDT advisory, the agency said the Category 2 storm, which had maximum sustained winds of 100 mph, was about 15 miles north-northeast of Gulf Shores, Alabama, and 25 miles west-southwest of Pensacola, Florida. It was moving north-northeast at 3 mph.
Hurricane #Sally Advisory 21A: Hurricane-Force Winds Occurring in Pensacola Florida. Catastrophic and Life-Threatening Flooding Likely Along Portions Of the Northern Gulf Coast. https://t.co/VqHn0u1vgc
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 16, 2020
Update 7:46 a.m. EDT Sept. 16: The National Weather Service’s office for Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida, is sharing several photos and videos as Hurricane Sally bears down on the region.
MAJOR surge & freshwater flooding coming in to Pensacola #sally pic.twitter.com/A8COfum4Ll
— I'm the weatherman, whatever man (@Weathermansam77) September 16, 2020
643am - More videos from downtown Pensacola this morning during Hurricane #Sally. #flwx https://t.co/uidx2goms7
— NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) September 16, 2020
A truck suffering damage after a large tree limb fell onto it in Semmes, AL. #Sally
— Jennifer Lambers ⛈ (@jnlamberswx) September 16, 2020
📸: Lea Hartley pic.twitter.com/wMShMi5mn3
Update 7:21 a.m. EDT Sept. 16: Hurricane-force winds are spreading inland over southeastern Alabama and the western portion of the Florida Panhandle, the National Hurricane Center said Wednesday morning.
Damage to a condo in Gulf Shores due to #Sally. https://t.co/JElhWM1ZWw
— NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) September 16, 2020
In its 7 a.m. EDT update, the agency said the storm, which had maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, was over Gulf Shores, Alabama, and was moving north-northeast at 3 mph.
Here is the 6 AM CDT 9/16 update for #Sally: Hurricane-force winds spreading inland over southeastern Alabama and the western portion of the Florida Panhandle. Catastrophic and life-threatening flooding likely along portions of the north-central Gulf Coast. pic.twitter.com/AqSlKJ1Zmx
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 16, 2020
Update 6:05 a.m. EDT Sept. 16: Hurricane Sally made landfall about 5:45 a.m. EDT Wednesday near Gulf Shores, Alabama, according to the National Hurricane Center. It had maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.
#Sally has made landfall near Gulf Shores Alabama at 445 AM CDT as a category 2 hurricane. Maximum sustained winds were 105 mph with a minimum central pressure of 965 mb. More: https://t.co/tW4KeFW0gB pic.twitter.com/zdyilBhdic
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 16, 2020
Update 5 a.m. EDT Sept. 16: Hurricane Sally’s northern eyewall with hurricane conditions is moving across the Gulf Coast from Pensacola Beach, Florida, westward to Dauphin Island, Alabama, the National Hurricane Center said early Wednesday.
#Hurricane #Sally Key Messages for 4 AM CDT-- Sally is about to make landfall and will cause historic and catastrophic flooding in parts of NW Florida and southern Alabama. More on Sally at https://t.co/tW4KeFW0gB and your local weather forecast is at https://t.co/SiZo8ohZMN pic.twitter.com/V1Ee5a2WiC
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 16, 2020
In its 5 a.m. EDT advisory, the Category 2 storm, which had maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, was about 50 miles south-southeast of Mobile, Alabama, and 40 miles southwest of Pensacola, Florida. It was moving north-northeast at 3 mph.
Hurricane #Sally Advisory 21: Sally'S Northern Eyewall With Hurricane Conditions Moving Across The Gulf Coast From Pensacola Beach Florida Westward to Dauphin Island Alabama. https://t.co/VqHn0u1vgc
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 16, 2020
Update 2:40 a.m. EDT Sept. 16: Hurricane Sally’s winds have intensified to 105 mph, the National Hurricane Center said early Wednesday. It remains a Category 2 hurricane.
NEW: Sally has intensified to 105 mph and a special advisory will be issued shortly. More: https://t.co/tW4KeFW0gB pic.twitter.com/T3yI4lKNBS
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 16, 2020
In a special 2:30 a.m. EDT advisory, the agency said the storm continues to strengthen as hurricane conditions spread along the Gulf Coast from Pensacola Beach, Florida, westward to Dauphin Island, Alabama. The hurricane, which was moving north-northeast at 2 mph, was located about 60 miles south-southeast of Mobile, Alabama, and 55 miles southwest of Pensacola, Florida, forecasters said.
Hurricane #Sally Advisory 20: Sally Continues to Strengthen as Hurricane Conditions Spread Onshore the Gulf Coast From Pensacola Beach Florida Westward to Dauphin Island Alabama. https://t.co/VqHn0u1vgc
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 16, 2020
Update 1:33 a.m. EDT Sept. 16: Hurricane Sally has strengthened into a Category 2 storm with 100 mph winds, the National Hurricane Center said early Wednesday.
#Sally has strengthened into a category 2 hurricane on the Midnight CDT update with 100-mph winds. More: https://t.co/tW4KeFW0gB pic.twitter.com/TyeSO8ttOm
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 16, 2020
Update 11:16 p.m. EDT Sept. 15: A slightly strengthened Hurricane Sally is holding steady with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph and is now moving north-northeast at 2 mph.
Josh is on it. As hurricane #Sally is only crawling toward land, the prolonged eyewall exposure over this area will result in the hurricane swinging higher than its category, as far as expected damage: surge, erosion, flooding. 20”+ of rain to boot is possible. https://t.co/weCUCLPo9J
— Brooks (@BrooksWeather) September 16, 2020
NHC has just released a new advisory on the strength of #Sally. Track the tropics at https://t.co/53D5Ax5wzy pic.twitter.com/49rRi2CjBb
— Tyler Jankoski (@TylerMyNBC5) September 16, 2020
According to the National Hurricane Center’s 11 p.m. EDT advisory, Sally is located about 65 miles south-southeast of Mobile, Alabama, and about 60 miles southwest of Pensacola, Florida. The eastward shift, however, means the storm is currently most likely to make landfall in the Pensacola, Florida, area Wednesday morning.
We just got the new forecast track for #Sally. You can zoom in on the track at https://t.co/1Zhf9ZFjcK pic.twitter.com/cONBloyaP6
— Ben Frechette (@BenMyNBC5) September 16, 2020
The hurricane warning has been extended east of Navarre, Florida, to the Okaloosa-Walton County line in Florida, and the storm surge warning has been extended east of the Okaloosa-Walton County Line to the Walton-Bay County Line.
WARNING ⚠️Utility crews are unable to respond to a "significant water main break" on Pensacola Beach, due to #HurricaneSally and bridge closures. https://t.co/MVkBjSwJOy
— WKRG (@WKRG) September 16, 2020
A north-northeastward to northeastward motion at a slightly faster forward speed is expected on Wednesday and Wednesday night, followed by a faster northeastward motion on Thursday.
Some strengthening is possible before landfall, most likely in the early-morning hours Wednesday, and Sally is expected to be a dangerous hurricane when it moves onshore along the north-central Gulf Coast.
Update 10:06 p.m. EDT Sept. 15: Hurricane Sally has strengthened slightly with maximum sustained winds increasing to 85 mph. The Category 1 storm continues to move north at 2 mph, and conditions appear favorable for continued intensification prior to landfall, most likely in the early-morning hours Wednesday.
A slew of reasons to believe that #Sally is intensifying tonight before landfall – like many other storms.
— Matthew Cappucci (@MatthewCappucci) September 16, 2020
– Doppler velocity shows gusts of 90-100 mph
– Warming cloud tops in center/clearing eye
– Deepening air pressures
– Burst of thunderstorms in eyewall
– Crisper radar eye pic.twitter.com/XkF8ZAbknu
#Sally intensifying (85 mph winds) as it nears landfall. Gulf Shores. Orange Beach. Pensacola. All will be in eye wall. Rainfall over two feet with significant storm surge flooding. pic.twitter.com/PPloHHhmYT
— Paul Dellegatto⚡️FOX (@PaulFox13) September 16, 2020
Unfortunately, #Sally is trying to intensify more before landfall. We are now seeing impressive deep bursts of convection around the eyewall along with a warmer eye. Radar presentation is improving as well. pic.twitter.com/IsBuPFRliC
— Frank Carcaterra (@FrankCarcaterra) September 16, 2020
Update 8:38 p.m. EDT Sept. 15: Hurricane Sally continued lumbering toward the north-central Gulf Coast on Tuesday night with maximum sustained winds holding steady near 80 mph.
TROPICAL UPDATE: @NOAA's #GOES16🛰️ is closely watching #HurricaneSally as the sun sets this evening. This #GeoColor/#lightning composite loop shows #Sally moving very slowly toward the northern Gulf Coast with winds still swirling at 80 mph. More: https://t.co/VTAp4gGkHs pic.twitter.com/2DyPQU6cRJ
— NOAA Satellites - Public Affairs (@NOAASatellitePA) September 16, 2020
The Category 1 storm is currently located about 75 miles south of Mobile, Alabama, and about 75 miles southwest of Pensacola, Florida, moving north at 2 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
@susanaronRigsbyOSC: Just witnessed this large boat capsize and sink in front of my very eyes in the Dauphin Island harbor in Alabama. #Sally #ALwx @NHC_Atlantic @NWSMobile pic.twitter.com/KiHgKbhCIz
— Bill Jones (@bjheels) September 16, 2020
Per the NHC’s latest forecast track, Sally’s center will approach the northern Gulf Coast Tuesday night, making landfall as a Category 1 storm in the hurricane warning area either late Tuesday or early Wednesday.
Seeing a massive flare up of colder cloud tops along #Sally's northern eyewall in the last couple hours. Starting to make me wonder if we're seeing some intensification.
— Dan Thomas (@WSMVDanThomas) September 16, 2020
We'll update you tonight on #News4 tonight, at 10pm!@WSMV pic.twitter.com/W5qU5IO3Hu
The current hurricane warning extends from east of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, to Navarre, Florida, while a tropical storm warning remains in effect from east of Navarre to Indian Pass, Florida, and from Bay St. Louis westward to Grade Isle, Louisiana.
According to the NHC, rainfall remains the largest threat from the slow-moving storm and “historic life-threatening flash-flooding is also expected.” Sally is forecast to dump between 10 and 20 inches of rain across impacted areas, with isolated totals of 30 inches possible along and just inland of the central Gulf Coast from the Florida panhandle west of the Apalachicola River to far southeastern Mississippi.
HARDCORE STORM SURGE from Hurricane #Sally off the causeway side in Gulf Shores, AL pic.twitter.com/Zi5mI7i3PI
— Reed Timmer (@ReedTimmerAccu) September 16, 2020
A slow northward motion is expected to continue Tuesday night, followed by a slow north-northwestward to northeastward shift on Wednesday and Wednesday night as Sally moves inland across southeastern Alabama on Wednesday night and Thursday.
Hurricane-force winds currently extend outward up to 40 miles from Sally’s eye, and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles.
Creepy skies in Pascagoula just as daylight was ending. #sally pic.twitter.com/XPyWtRHpZD
— Courtney Ann Jackson (@courtneyannj) September 16, 2020
Click here to see prior coverage of Hurricane Sally’s formation, development and progress.
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