TROPICAL STORM WATCH ISSUED FOR ALABAMA COAST… Tropical Storm Cristobal will move north this weekend with gradual strengthening expected as the system crosses the Gulf of Mexico. Cristobal is currently a tropical depression over the Yucatán Peninsula, but expected to be a tropical storm this weekend as it approaches from the south. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued valid from Intracoastal City, Louisiana eastward to the Alabama-Florida border. This includes southern portions of Mobile and Baldwin counties locally. Note that this new Tropical Storm Watch is exclusively on the eastern side of where the system is set to make landfall in Louisiana as this is expected to be a very lopsided system with impacts being mainly on the eastern side.
HEAVY RAIN REMAINS THE MAIN CONCERN… 3-6” of rainfall remains our most significant expected impact across south Alabama and northwest Florida. Flash flooding will become a concern if rain and storms train over the same areas. Greater rain amounts will happen closer to the immediate coast where multiple rounds of heavy rain will be possible, mainly on Saturday and Sunday.
TORNADO RISK… The overall tornado risk appears to be low or perhaps even very low across south Alabama and northwest Florida. If any storms can ramp up and become stronger closer to the coast, isolated tornadoes may become more of an issue for beach zones. The overall tornado risk will also be higher to our west closer to the center of Cristobal.
GUSTY WINDS… 20-30 mph winds are expected near the Alabama and northwest Florida beaches, with gusts to tropical storm force winds being a concern. Breezy conditions are likely inland. Overall, the risk of high winds remains very low across the region. Widespread wind damage is not expected.
RIP CURRENTS/WAVES… No doubt that red flags will be flying this weekend at many, if not all the local beaches. Rip currents will be numerous and waves will be large. Please stay out of the water if you’re visiting a local beach as the high waves will be dangerous at times.
APP ALERTS… redzoneweather.com/app is the link where you can download the free RedZone Weather app. We post brief updates throughout each day in the app, keeping you up-to-date about the latest happenings in weather across south Alabama and northwest Florida. Once you have the free app downloaded to your iOS or Android device, be sure to visit the Alerts tab (lower right corner) then tap the large, yellow Alert Settings button to customize the alerts you would like to receive straight from me.