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Heavy Rains from Sally Continue to Spread Northward Over Eastern Alabama & Western Georgia

| September 16, 2020 @ 6:57 pm

BULLETIN
Tropical Storm Sally Intermediate Advisory Number 23A
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL192020
700 PM CDT Wed Sep 16 2020

SUMMARY OF 700 PM CDT…0000 UTC…INFORMATION
———————————————-
LOCATION…31.5N 86.5W
ABOUT 70 MI…110 KM WNW OF DOTHAN ALABAMA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…45 MPH…75 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NE OR 35 DEGREES AT 7 MPH…11 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…994 MB…29.35 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
——————–
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for…
* Okaloosa/Walton County Florida line eastward to Indian Pass Florida


DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
———————-
At 700 PM CDT (0000 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Sally was located near latitude 31.5 North, longitude 86.5 West. Sally is moving toward the northeast near 7 mph (11 km/h), and a northeastward motion at a slightly faster forward speed is expected tonight through Thursday night. On the forecast track, the center of Sally will move across southeastern Alabama tonight, over central Georgia on Thursday, and move over South Carolina Thursday night.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 45 mph (75 km/h) with higher gusts. Additional weakening is expected as the center moves farther inland tonight, and Sally is forecast to become a tropical depression tonight.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles (205 km) from the center.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 994 MB (29.35 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
———————-
RAINFALL: Sally has produced storm totals of 10 to 20 inches, with isolated amounts of 30-35 inches, across the central Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle west of Tallahassee to Mobile Bay, Alabama. Historic and catastrophic flooding, including widespread moderate to major river flooding, will continue across this region. Additional rainfall of 1 to 4 inches is possible across the Florida Panhandle from Tallahassee to the Apalachicola River.

Rainfall totals expected as Sally tracks across the Southeast through Friday:

Southern Alabama and central Georgia: 4 to 8 inches with isolated amounts of 12 inches, resulting in significant flash flooding and widespread minor to moderate and isolated major river flooding.

Central to upstate South Carolina: 4 to 7 inches, with isolated amounts of 10 inches. Widespread flash flooding and minor to moderate river flooding is possible.

Western to central North Carolina and far southeast Virginia: 4 to 6 inches, isolated amounts up to 8 inches. Scattered flash flooding and widespread minor river flooding is possible.

STORM SURGE: Water levels remain elevated along the Florida Panhandle coast but will continue to recede over the next several hours.

WIND: Tropical storm conditions will continue in portions of the warning area this evening.

TORNADOES: A few tornadoes may occur tonight across portions of northern Florida and southern Georgia. The threat of tornadoes will shift northeastward into parts of eastern Georgia and much of the Carolinas on Thursday.

SURF: Swells from Sally will continue to affect the Gulf Coast from the Florida Big Bend westward to southeastern Louisiana during the next day or so. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Severe Weather, Tropical

About the Author ()

Scott Martin is an operational meteorologist, professional graphic artist, musician, husband, and father. Not only is Scott a member of the National Weather Association, but he is also the Central Alabama Chapter of the NWA president. Scott is also the co-founder of Racecast Weather, which provides forecasts for many racing series across the USA. He also supplies forecasts for the BassMaster Elite Series events including the BassMaster Classic.

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