Isaias Nears Gulf Coast; Alabama Braces for Impact
Alabama–Georgia kickoff remains set for 6:30 PM Saturday as Isaias threatens the coast and forces changes to game-day plans
TL;DR: Category 2 Hurricane Isaias is headed toward the Gulf Coast, threatening storm surge, flooding and damaging winds across Alabama. Alabama–Georgia kickoff remains set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, but tailgating, parking and pregame plans have changed.
Hurricane Isaias strengthened Thursday as Alabama’s Gulf Coast braced for landfall late Friday or early Saturday. The storm threatens coastal flooding, damaging winds and heavy rain, with rough weather expected to reach well inland.
The Alabama–Georgia game remains scheduled for a 6:30 PM kickoff Saturday in Tuscaloosa. But, the University has cut several pregame events and delayed tailgating and parking as the storm approaches.
Isaias had reached Category 2 strength, with sustained winds of 105 mph. Governor Kay Ivey ordered non-residents to leave Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Dauphin Island. Coastal residents were securing homes and boats ahead of the storm.
A hurricane warning covers coastal Alabama, stretching from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to Florida’s Bay–Gulf County line. Forecasters expect potentially life-threatening storm surge of 5 to 7 feet in Mobile Bay.
The danger extends beyond the beaches. Central Alabama’s strongest winds are expected overnight Friday into early Saturday. Gusts of 40 to 50 mph, with isolated gusts reaching 60 mph, could topple trees and power lines.
A flood watch is also in effect. Rainfall of 1.5 to 4 inches is forecast across the region, with some spots receiving up to 5 inches. Damaging gusts could linger Saturday morning, while isolated tornadoes remain possible in eastern Alabama.
In Tuscaloosa, the University has changed much of the usual game-day routine:
- No campus tailgate setups or supply drop-offs Friday. Items placed before noon Saturday will be removed and discarded.
- Tailgating may begin after noon Saturday, weather permitting, but only in uncovered areas. Corporate vendors will not set up on the Quad.
- Campus parking lots and shuttles are scheduled to open at noon. Weather could force further delays.
- Quad and Champions Lane activities are canceled. The Elephant Stomp is not currently planned.
- The Walk of Champions is expected about two hours before kickoff, weather permitting.
- ESPN’s College GameDay moves inside Coleman Coliseum. Doors are scheduled to open at 5:30 a.m.; overnight camping is banned.
Kickoff remains unchanged as of Thursday night. University officials urge fans to check official UA game-day and safety updates before traveling. Campus access and other plans could change again as conditions worsen.
For game-day updates: https://uagameday.com.
To track Isaias: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov.
