Tropical Storm Fred Heads To Panhandle, Alabama Coast

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Tropical Storm Fred is expected to hit the Florida Panhandle Monday, and by Tuesday should make its way into inland Alabama, according to the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

Winds could gust to 60 mph in the tropical storm warning area later Monday afternoon and evening, and a 3- to 5-foot storm surge is forecast from Indian Pass to Steinhatchee River, the NWS said.

"A 1- to 3-foot storm surge is forecast from Perdido Key (the Alabama/Florida border) to Indian Pass, including Pensacola Bay, Choctawhatchee Bay and Saint Andrew Bay," meteorologist James Spann said Monday. "A few isolated waterspouts and tornadoes are possible this afternoon and tonight on the coast from Navarre all the way over to Tampa Bay. Rain amounts of 3-6 inches are likely on the Florida coast over the next 24 hours along and east of the circulation center, in the general area from Destin to Saint Marks."

Spann said the Alabama Gulf Coast is on the dry, west side of the system and will experience minimal impact other than rip currents. The rip current danger is high through the central Gulf Coast through Tuesday night.

Winds from Fred could gust to 45 mph around Dothan Monday night, with gusts farther inland across east and southeast Alabama that will be in the 25-35 mph range, Spann said.

"Weather conditions improve along the Gulf Coast Tuesday, and routine weather is expected Tuesday through the rest of the week with the usual mix of sun and scattered storms," Spann added.