Baldwin and Mobile counties will likely be on the west side of the eye of Hurricane Isaias when it makes landfall this evening, but a storm that is starting to move faster and grow larger will still bring heavy winds to the area.
The National Hurricane Center streamed a live broadcast beginning at 4 p.m. that updated viewers on the status of Hurricane Isaias. NHC Deputy Director Jamie Rhome explained that Isaias has maintained its intensity throughout the day as a Category 3 Hurricane.
The peak winds have been measured at 115 mph, a slight drop from earlier in the day, while pressure is now at 959 mb.
"But by no means should you be distracted by these sorts of fluctuations because they aren't going to change the impacts to the coast over the next couple of hours," Rhome said.
He said landfall and accompanying extreme winds are expected within the next couple of hours, with the Alabama Weather Network's James Spann projecting a 7 p.m. landfall near Navarre Beach, Florida.
Riviera Utilities plan to shut off natural gas service to “designated areas of Gulf Shores” as a precautionary measure.
All customers located east, west and south of West 12th Avenue will be impacted.
“This decision is being made in the interest of public safety and in accordance with Riviera Utilities' emergency response procedures. We recognize the inconvenience this interruption may cause, but protecting our customers, employees and community remains our highest priority,” the company stated in the update. “We are unable to provide an estimated restoration time. Our crews will assess conditions and begin the process of safely restoring service as soon as circumstances allow. Evacuees can schedule their pilot relight appointment once they return and work conditions are safe.”
