Hurricane Ian is currently projected to make landfall in the Gulf of Mexico later this week, which could bring flooding and strong winds to Alabama.
According to a National Weather Service advisory, Ian is forecast to become a major hurricane by early Tuesday morning.
A major hurricane, by definition, is a hurricane that is a Category 3 or higher.
The advisory, issued Monday, September 26, also states that the hurricane’s exact path across the eastern Gulf of Mexico remains uncertain at this time.
The Tallapoosa County Emergency Management Agency is monitoring the hurricane as it approaches.
“We will provide updates as available as there is lots of uncertainty at this point,” Tallapoosa County EMA Director Jason Moran said in a statement Monday.
For Alabama, Hurricane Ian is forecast to likely bring sustained winds up to 20 mph and wind gusts up to 35 mph near the I-85 corridor, according to the advisory.
Flooding could also occur, but is projected to be localized in eastern Alabama near the state line.