DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Houston and Geneva counties are under a tornado watch until 8 p.m. CDT Friday as Hurricane Isaias approaches the Gulf Coast.
The Storm Prediction Center issued the watch at 12:20 p.m. CDT. It also includes Jackson, Holmes, Washington, Walton and Bay counties in Florida and Seminole County in Georgia.
According to the National Weather Service, Isaias is a major hurricane expected to make landfall along the western Florida Panhandle Friday evening. Damaging winds, flooding and tornadoes could affect areas far inland.
Coffee, Geneva and Covington counties are under hurricane warnings. Houston, Dale and Henry counties remain under tropical storm warnings.
The weather service has increased Geneva County’s tornado threat, saying conditions are “very favorable for tornadoes.” Some tornadoes could be intense. Residents in manufactured homes are urged to move to safe shelter before dangerous weather arrives.
Heavy rain also could cause significant flooding. The weather service places portions of southeast Alabama under a moderate risk of excessive rainfall, Level 3 of 4. Geneva County’s latest forecast calls for an additional 3 to 6 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts.
Residents should keep multiple ways to receive weather alerts and be ready to shelter quickly if a tornado warning is issued.
