Hurricane Isaias: Prepare Now and Stay Weather-Aware

Residents are encouraged to prepare for severe weather associated with Hurricane Isaias. Heavy rain, damaging winds, power outages, and isolated tornadoes are possible as the storm moves inland.

Lee County is under a Tropical Storm Warning. Lee County Emergency Management advises that impacts may begin Friday afternoon, October 9, with the greatest concerns Friday night into Saturday, October 10. Additional impacts may continue into Sunday. Residents in Chambers and Randolph counties should follow their local emergency management updates for conditions in their area.

Take These Steps Now

• Charge phones and backup batteries before severe weather arrives.

• Check emergency supplies, including drinking water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, and batteries.

• Have multiple reliable ways to receive weather warnings, especially overnight. Keep emergency alerts enabled and your phone's volume turned up.

• Know where to take shelter if a tornado warning is issued. Choose an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.

• Prepare for power outages and avoid unnecessary travel once conditions worsen.

• Never drive through flooded roads or around barricades. Turn Around, Don't Drown!

Potential Weather Impacts

Lee County EMA's latest update identifies the following concerns for Lee County:

• Rain and flooding: Rainfall totals of 2-4 inches, with localized amounts up to 6 inches, may cause flash flooding in low-lying areas and places with poor drainage.

• Damaging winds: Strong winds may bring down trees and power lines, cause power outages, and make travel hazardous.

• Tornadoes: Isolated tornadoes are possible Friday night into Saturday morning.

Lee County EMA advises that shelters will open only if a Tornado Watch is issued. Refer to its shelter graphic and official updates for locations and opening information. LaFayette and Roanoke residents should check their county's updates for local shelter information.

Follow Official Weather and Emergency Updates

Auburn residents - Lee County:
Sign up for emergency notifications at www.leecoema.com.

LaFayette residents - Chambers County:
Follow Chambers County EMA on Facebook.

Roanoke residents - Randolph County:
Follow Randolph County's official Facebook page.

Additional weather updates for all residents:

• Follow Alabama Weather Network. You can also download its free alerting app and sign up for notifications.

• Follow the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

Please stay alert throughout the weekend and check on neighbors when it is safe. Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.