Bama Bloggin' on Katrina

Here in Huntsville, we are under an inland tropical storm watch effective from 7 PM Monday until 4 PM Tuesday. Given the storm's current projected path, things could get pretty rough here beginning tomorrow afternoon, but nothing like what's in store for the Gulf Coast.

Governor Riley announced a mandatory evacuation for certain low-lying areas south of Interstate 10 in Mobile and Baldwin counties. A record storm surge is possible along Alabama's Gulf Coast, possibly exceeding that of Frederic in 1979. According to the latest statement by the Mobile NWS office (12:16 AM Monday):

Based on the latest forecast track and speed... a strong category four or minimum category five land-falling hurricane would bring tide levels as high as 10 to 15 feet along coastal Mobile County and the western portions of Mobile Bay... with higher levels possible over the extreme northern portions of the Bay. Tide levels of this magnitude would severally affect downtown Mobile with water spilling into the downtown area and extending as far west as Broad Street. This would be the highest surge level ever experienced in Mobile. For comparison... the highest surge levels previously experienced in the downtown area were near 9 feet with hurricanes Frederic and Georges. In addition... Dauphin Island would likely be inundated... except for higher ground on the east end.

A storm tide of 10 to 12 feet is expected along coastal Baldwin County... comparable to Hurricane Ivan of last year. Significant inundation is likely along the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Parts of The Fort Morgan peninsula will likely be inundated as well.

Several Alabama bloggers in the coastal counties of Mobile and Baldwin are making their own preparations.

From Gulf Shores:

As of yesterday afternoon, Zeke at It Is What it Is was planning to stay in Gulf Shores.

From Mobile:

WPMI-TV meterologist David Glenn has a weather blog.

Space Monkey says most Mobilians are standing pat.

Uncle Henry asks for everyone to keep the people who live near the Gulf Coast in mind over the next few days.

Beth at My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy says "here we go again."

And...

Southern Appeal's Jim Dunn points out just how serious the threat to New Orleans is.

Stay safe, everybody.