US: Gordon makes landfall, tornado and flash flood warnings issued September 4 /update 4

Event

Tropical Storm Gordon made landfall near Pascagoula (Mississippi), just west of Mobile (Alabama), around 22:00 (local time) on Tuesday, September 4, bringing strong winds and heavy rains the area. At least two tornadoes were spotted near Pensacola Bay at 21:55 and tornado warnings and watches are in effect for areas from Choctawhatchee Bay to Pascagoula until 04:00 on Wednesday, September 5. Flash flood warnings are in effect for southern Alabama and northwestern Florida until early Wednesday morning.

As of 22:00 on Tuesday, Gordon is producing sustained winds of 110 km/h (70 mph). The storm is expected to rapidly weaken as it moves over land, though it will still bring heavy rain and strong winds to the region, from Louisiana to the Florida panhandle. Dangerous storm surge and high tides will likely produce heavy flooding along coastal areas, with waters 0.3-1.2 m (1-4 ft) above high tide levels from the Mississippi River to Pensacola Bay. Heavy rain of 10-20 cm (4-8 in) and isolated amounts of up to 30 cm (12 in) is expected along the coast and up the Mississippi River valley as far as southern Arkansas and central Mississippi. Flash flooding is possible in all areas affected by the storm.

Context

Gordon formed as a tropical disturbance and consolidated into a coherent storm on morning of September 3. It is the seventh storm to form in the Atlantic basin this hurricane season. Tropical cyclones and hurricanes in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico are common from June through November.

Advice

Individuals present in the affected areas are advised to keep abreast of local weather forecasts, anticipate localized flooding and associated transportation disruptions, plan alternate routes, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.