Weather: Mobile

WHAT
Minor coastal flooding expected.

WHERE
Mobile Central and Baldwin Central Counties.

WHEN
From 10 AM to 7 PM CDT Thursday.

IMPACTS
Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Minor coastal flooding will likely affect the US 90/98 Causeway around the eastbound I-10 on ramps, Shell Belt and Coden Belt roads in the Bayou La Batre area, docks and boat ramps along the Mobile Bay shoreline. Minor beach erosion is possible as well, especially on the west end of Dauphin Island.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.

PRECAUTIONARY
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

LOCATIONS
WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.

INFO1
WHERE...Portions of Alabama, including the following areas, Baldwin Central, Baldwin Coastal, Baldwin Inland, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Escambia, Mobile Central, Mobile Coastal, Mobile Inland, Monroe, Washington and Wilcox, northwest Florida, including the following areas, Escambia Coastal, Escambia Inland, Okaloosa Coastal, Okaloosa Inland, Santa Rosa Coastal and Santa Rosa Inland, and southeast Mississippi, including the following areas, George, Greene, Perry, Stone and Wayne.

INFO2
WHEN...Through Friday afternoon.

INFO3
IMPACTS...Excessive runoff will result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers is expected.

INFO4
ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Considerable flash flooding is likely and catastrophic flooding is possible. This risk level is associated with a significant number of flood-related deaths and most flash flood-related damages. Multiple rounds of heavy rainfall will continue through at least Friday afternoon. Additional rainfall amounts of 6 to 12 inches are expected with locally in excess of 15 inches near the coast. This will likely cause significant flash flooding, especially in urban and other poor drainage areas. Water rescues may become necessary.

LOCATIONS
Southern Alabama, Western Florida Panhandle, Southeast Louisiana, Southeast Mississippi, Coastal Waters

EFFECTIVE
This Thursday morning and afternoon from 755 AM until 500 PM CDT.

THREATS
Several tornadoes likely, Isolated damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible

SITUATION
A very strong low-level wind field will transition northeastward across the region today and interact with a moist environment, supporting the potential for supercells capable of tornadoes. The tornado watch area is approximately along and 75 statute miles north and south of a line from 15 miles north northwest of Slidell LA to 40 miles east northeast of Evergreen AL. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU1).

PRECAUTIONS
A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.

LOCATION
WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast.

INFO1
WHERE...Bayou Sara at Saraland.

INFO2
WHEN...From this afternoon to late Friday night.

INFO3
IMPACTS...At 5.0 feet, Street flooding east of the railroad becomes widespread.

INFO4
ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 9:30 AM CDT Thursday the stage was 2.4 feet. - Forecast...The river will rise above flood stage late this afternoon to 4.6 feet this evening. It will then fall below flood stage just after midnight tonight to 3.1 feet tomorrow morning. It will rise above flood stage again tomorrow afternoon to 4.3 feet tomorrow evening. It will then fall below flood stage again late tomorrow evening to 2.9 feet Saturday morning. It will then rise again but remain below flood stage. - Flood stage is 4.0 feet.

PRECAUTIONS
Turn around, don"t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov