Isaias Threatens Gulf Coast, Alabama–Georgia Game
Hurricane threat puts Alabama on alert and could disrupt Saturday’s game in Tuscaloosa and President Trump’s planned visit
TL;DR: Isaias could reach the Gulf Coast as a hurricane late Friday or early Saturday, bringing coastal surge and inland flooding. Alabama–Georgia remains scheduled for Saturday night, but Trump’s planned visit depends on the storm.
Tropical Storm Isaias is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane before reaching the Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday. The storm also threatens Saturday night’s Georgia–Alabama game in Tuscaloosa, which President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend.
Mobile and Baldwin Counties are under hurricane and storm surge watches. In a Wednesday afternoon update, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency warned that storm surge could reach 5 to 7 feet along the coast and Mobile Bay. Parts of Alabama could see storm effects from Friday through early Sunday, including flooding and power outages.
The storm’s strength and track remain uncertain. The Associated Press reported that National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan said Isaias could reach Category 3 strength before landfall. That would mean sustained winds of at least 111 mph.
Gov. Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency Wednesday for 40 counties, including Tuscaloosa County.
For now, No. 2 Georgia and No. 6 Alabama remain set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. Central on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama said there were no plans to change the game, while school officials and the Southeastern Conference continue to watch conditions.
Trump announced his planned visit during last week’s rally in Mobile. By Wednesday, he said the weather could change those plans. He also said he did not want his visit to draw attention away from emergency crews.
“Certainly, I’m going to let the hurricane determine. I want people to be safe,” Trump said, according to WBRC.
The storm has already disrupted Gulf Coast plans. Gulf Shores canceled its National Shrimp Festival.
State emergency officials urged residents to prepare now and follow updates from local emergency managers, the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center. The forecast could shift as Isaias moves closer to shore.
