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Hermine Slowly Strengthening

| September 1, 2016 @ 6:31 am

FIRST DAY OF METEOROLOGICAL FALL: It really won’t feel much different today across Alabama, lots of sun, highs up in the low to mid 90s, and just a few isolated showers this afternoon. Much like yesterday.

HERMINE: Of course, all of the attention is focused on the tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico. Here is a detailed look at the forecast, and potential impact…

First off, Hermine early this morning is packing sustained winds of 65 mph, and is moving N/NE at 12 mph. Continued strengthening is likely, and the system is expected to reach category one hurricane status by the time it reaches the coast late tonight. A hurricane warning is in effect from Mexico Beach (this is east of Panama City) down to the Suwannee River.

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NORTH/CENTRAL ALABAMA IMPACT: We will be on the dry side of the system, but we will introduce the chance of showers tonight as late model guidance suggests some moisture will pulled into the region from the east, on the top of Hermine’s circulation. Nothing too heavy or widespread, just be aware that some rain is possible tonight, especially east of I-65.

We can’t totally rule out a few showers on the eastern side of the state tomorrow, but the weather looks dry over Labor Day weekend for places like Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Anniston, and Gadsden with lower humidity and slightly cooler nights. Highs 88-92.

GULF COAST IMPACT: It is important to note the main risk of storm surge flooding, and inland flash flooding, and a few tornadoes will be along and east of the center of circulation. The center of Hermine is expected to move inland around midnight tonight south of Tallahassee, and east of Apalachicola. Panama City Beach and Destin will certainly have some wind and rain today and tonight, but they are on the drier side of the system with an offshore flow.

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Rain amounts for places like Dauphin Island, Gulf Shores, Pensacola Beach, and Navarre Beach should be light. However, dangerous rip tides and rough surf will continue today on the Gulf Coast all the way from Alabama down to Fort Myers Beach. Red flags will be flying.

If you have a Labor Day weekend beach trip planned to the Central Gulf Coast, don’t let Hermine keep you from going.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND AT THE BEACH: Hermine will move northeast tomorrow, and the weather improves during the day. Lingering rain at places like Panama City Beach and Destin will end pretty early in the day, and there is a good chance the sun will be out tomorrow afternoon. Then, we project a very nice holiday weekend from Gulf Shores over to Panama City Beach, with about 7 to 9 hours of sunshine daily, and the usual risk of widely scattered showers and thunderstorms. The rip danger will also subside over the weekend. Highs on the immediate coast in the upper 80s, with low to mid 90s inland. See a very detailed Gulf Coast forecast here.

See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

NEXT WEEK: An upper ridge is in place, so it looks hot with highs 90-94 most days, and only a few isolated afternoon and evening showers and storms.

FOOTBALL WEATHER: Tomorrow night looks fantastic for high school football across Alabama with a clear sky and temperatures falling through the 70s. Humidity levels won’t be as bad as the first two weeks.

Auburn hosts Clemson Saturday night at Jordan-Hare Stadium (8:00p CT kickoff)… the sky will be clear. Kickoff temperature near 76 degrees, falling into the low 70s by the final whistle.

Alabama will take on Southern Cal Saturday night at Arlington, Texas (8:00p CT kickoff)… a clear sky with temperatures falling from near 82 at kickoff, into the mid 70s by the end of the game.

WEATHER BRAINS: Don’t forget you can listen to our weekly 90 minute netcast anytime on the web, or on iTunes. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including our meteorologists here at ABC 33/40.

CONNECT: You can find me on all of the major social networks…

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I will be speaking today at the Homewood Rotary Club meeting… look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 this afternoon. Enjoy the day!

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Category: Alabama's Weather

About the Author ()

James Spann is one of the most recognized and trusted television meteorologists in the industry. He holds the AMS CCM designation and television seals from the AMS and NWA. He is a past winner of the Broadcast Meteorologist of the Year from both professional organizations.

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