Alabama Inland Impact Statement - Sunday Evening

Since so many people are reading this blog for the first time this evening, let me run through some important information:

*We will air a prime time special tonight from 8:00 until 9:00 on Comcast Cable Channel 16 in Tuscaloosa tonight. This will also be on our digital channels 33.2 and 40.2 if you have a digital TV receiver.

*We will have coverage on our main ABC 33/40 signal tonight at 10:00 on a special hour long newscast. Long form coverage begins again tomorrow at 5:00 a.m. on ABC 33/40.

*This is a storm of historic proportion. Scroll down for details on Katrina... but the bottom line is that this a category five hurricane, much stronger than Ivan, Opal, and Frederic. This is now the Gulf of Mexico hurricane of record. The wind field is large; hurricane force winds extend out 105 miles from the center; tropical storm force wind extend out 230 miles.

*The worst weather in north and central Alabama will come from about 3:00 Monday afternoon through 12 noon on Tuesday.

*ALL of Alabama will have a risk of tornadoes in spiral bands around Katrina.

*The greatest risk of widespread tree and powerline damage in Alabama is along and west of U.S. 43, or over Marengo, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, Pickens, Fayette, Lamar, and Marion counties in the ABC 33/40 viewing area. Winds in these counties will peak in the 50 to 70 mph range, possibly higher near the Mississippi line. Rain amounts of 5 to 8 inches are likely. Alabama Power says there should be extended power outages in this area.

*WE RECOMMEND EVERYONE ALONG AND WEST OF U.S. 43 IN MOBILE HOMES TO ABANDON THEM AND BE IN A MORE SUBSTANTIAL STRUCTURE BY 3:00 p.m. TOMORROW. These are the same counties mentioned in the above paragraph.

*BIRMINGHAM METRO and the I-65 corridor... Wind gusts from 40 to 50 mph, 3 to 6 inches of rain. Some tree damage is likely, but not as widespread as west Alabama.

ANNISTON/GADSDEN AND EAST ALABAMA: Wind gusts from 20 to 40 mph, and 2 to 5 inches of rain.

An inland tropical storm warning is in effect for areas along and west of I-65.

Stay tuned for frequent updates here...
Posted by  
on August 28, 2005, 5:10 pm
Is it me, or is this thing starting to jog North already? Is this too early? If it is indeed already making its Northward movement, what does that mean for us? I'm in Calhoun County.

Thanks.

Reply to this comment
Posted by Margie Richardson - Rainbow City  
on August 28, 2005, 5:20 pm
I agree with you!! Looks like she is turning!! I remember Opal she never turned!! We lived in Destin at the time! http://www.goes.noaa.gov/HURRLOOPS/huwvloop.html

Reply to this comment
Posted by Joe  
on August 28, 2005, 5:27 pm
Looks like it's jogging North then NorthWest.

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ridge/lix_N0Z_lp.shtml




Reply to this comment
Posted by   www
on August 28, 2005, 5:33 pm
What are travel recommendations for 18 wheel drivers that will be leaving in the overnight hours tonight in all directions?

Reply to this comment
Posted by Sheri  
on August 28, 2005, 5:37 pm
Don't! Stay home with your family and take the loss until it is safe.

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on August 28, 2005, 5:46 pm
I agree I think it is moving north.

Reply to this comment
Posted by Jason  
on August 28, 2005, 5:48 pm
I still see it moving northwest.

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on August 28, 2005, 5:53 pm
Isn't there supposed to be a 7:00 intermediate advisory? Where is it? And when do the next batch of model outputs become available?

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on August 28, 2005, 5:57 pm
Hey Zac they should be comeing out with the updates any time now.

Reply to this comment
Posted by AC  
on August 28, 2005, 6:00 pm
my very unexpert opnion is that is seems to be moving somewhat north as well...no matter, it's bad!

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on August 28, 2005, 5:59 pm
I still say I agree it looks to me she is moving north a little.

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on August 28, 2005, 6:00 pm
She was definately moving N, but the last frame of the animation I saw it looked NW

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on August 28, 2005, 6:01 pm
Katrina has slowed forward motion to 11 MPH winds are 160 MPH central pressure 904 MB.

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on August 28, 2005, 6:02 pm
NNW. I though she was moving more North. Winds now at 160mph. Still at 904mb.

Reply to this comment
Posted by Brian  
on August 28, 2005, 6:10 pm
Let's hope this weakening becomes a trend. I realize however this could just be one of many fluctuations in Katrina's strength that may occur before she makes landfall.

Reply to this comment
Posted by Windy  
on August 28, 2005, 6:10 pm
Where is the new info posted? Not on ABC3340.com!

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on August 28, 2005, 6:13 pm
Posted by Noelle  
on August 28, 2005, 6:38 pm
I know you guys don't cover Columbus, MS, but I'm really concerned about what will happen here. I go to college here, and they have decided to only close for tomorrow. This really worries me, since the forecast for Lamar and Pickens counties (just across the state line), is rather grusome, and they are expected to get hit pretty hard. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Reply to this comment