7:15 PM UPDATE: Storm has weakened to a Category 1.
4:45 PM UPDATE: A flood advisory has been issued for Lee County. The advisor will expire at 7:45 PM CDT. Heavy rain associated with Hurricane Michael will cause small stream flooding in our area. 1 to 2+ inches of rain have already fallen in parts of Auburn and Opelika. Additional rain will cause ponding of water in low lying areas.
The following flood safety tips are from the National Weather Service:
- If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, drainage ditches, canyons, washes etc.
- Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn Around Don't Drown™
- Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways - you do not know the condition of the road under the water. Turn Around Don't Drown™
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions. Move to higher ground if heavy rain or rising water occurs. Creeks and streams can rise very rapidly during heavy rainfall.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
- If you must evacuate your home, secure your home and if possible, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
- Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
- Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
- A foot of water will float many vehicles.
- Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups.
- Play it smart, play it safe. Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road, TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!
AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) - Hurricane Michael has made landfall in Florida and has now been downgraded to a Category 3.
Here in Auburn, the rain and the wind gusts are beginning to pick up as the outer bands of Michael have reached the Auburn/Opelika area.
To put this storm into perspective, the United States has only seen 3 hurricanes with Category 5 strengths.
The current track of the storm as of 4:00 PM CDT shows the storm leaving the coast of Maryland/Delaware as a Tropical Storm early Friday morning. It will remain a tropical storm until late Sunday afternoon. Sustained winds will range from 39-73 miles per hour.
Governor Kay Ivey issued a State of Emergency late Monday afternoon in preparation for the storm's impact to Alabama. Neighboring states including Georgia and Florida have also issued State of Emergencies.
Auburn University Campus Safety officials have stated Auburn will operate under normal hours and classes will be in effect.
Based on the most current information @NWS, @AuburnU will remain open Wednesday & all classes will continue on a normal operation schedule. (1/2)
— AU Campus Safety (@AuburnSafety) October 9, 2018
Area schools closings and delays:
- Eufaula City Schools - closed Wednesday, Oct. 10
- Opelika City Schools - after-school activities cancelled Wednesday, Oct. 10
Below is a feed from the National Weather Service in Birmingham:
Tweets by NWSBirmingham
