The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane watch for portions of the northern Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches. The watch is in effect for the coastal areas from the Mission River in Texas eastward to Englin in Mississippi, including the parishes and counties in southwest Alabama.
Idalia, the ninth named storm of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season, is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by early Thursday morning, as it makes its way toward the Gulf Coast. The storm is expected to bring tropical-storm-force winds and dangerous storm surge to the target areas, as well as heavy rainfall.
Residents in these areas should be on alert and take appropriate action to prepare for the potential impacts of Idalia. This includes making an emergency plan and assembling an emergency supply kits. Additionally, area residents should keep up to date with the latest forecasts and monitor local news sources for additional watches and warnings that may be issued.
