hurricane season

Rafael may be gone, but forecasters are now watching a new disturbance in the Caribbean. That new system could become a tropical storm by mid November. Rafael was no threat to Alabama’s Gulf coast. But, the National Weather Service says that past storm is a reminder that a tropical system doesn’t have to hit Alabama directly to have an impact.

The devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton is still being tallied as a swath of Florida comes to terms with damage from the unusual dual strike of storms in just two weeks. Alabama Department of Transportation workers have deployed to Florida to aid with cleanup and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Additionally, Alabama is sending a public health support team to North Carolina to assist in their Helene recovery.

Alabama is aiding Florida as residents are repairing damage from Hurricane Milton, which smashed through coastal communities and tore homes to pieces, flooded streets and spawned deadly tornadoes. At least eight people have been killed.

Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Florida's west coast late Wednesday or early Thursday. Alabama’s Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team deployed to the area, in anticipation of emergency response needs. Meantime, the City of Montgomery is prepared to support potential evacuees of Hurricane Milton.

In response to Hurricane Helene, United Way of Central Alabama is launching a secure website dedicated to support for the victims of the devastation as they work to pick up the pieces. The deadly story system left behind significant destruction and flooding across six southeastern states.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Alabamians are asked to heed all health and safety warnings after any significant flooding and damage caused by the storm system. State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris is warning of potential hazards as well as protective actions needed after power outages and in cleanup activities

The State of Alabama is lending help to areas feeling the impact of major severe storm systems and recovering from the devastation left behind. This comes after more than 40 trillion gallons of rain drenched the Southeast United States in the last week from Hurricane Helene and a run-of-the-mill rainstorm.

Helene has made landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida's northwestern coast as a Category 4 hurricane. Forecasters say the storm is threatening a “catastrophic” storm surge in northwestern parts of Florida as well as damaging winds, rains and flash floods. In Alabama, the impact of the storm is lessening across the state.

Meteorologists are cautioning Alabamians about Tropical Storm Helene and the storm's possible impact on the state in the following days. This includes storms and a threat of some flooding, with federal aid now being directed to the Yellowhammer State.

Florida A&M University has postponed its upcoming college football game against Alabama A&M because of Tropical Storm Helene. The Rattlers rescheduled the game for Friday, Nov. 29, in anticipation of Helene strengthening into a major hurricane Wednesday while moving north toward the United States.