Hurricane Sally made landfall on Alabama’s gulf coast on early Wednesday, as per AFP report. The hurricane was accompanied by drenching rain. The National Hurricane Center said that the Category two storm hit Gulf Shores, Alabama at about 4.45 AM along with maximum sustained winds of about 105 miles per hour.
The Miami based Center had on Tuesday warned of “Historic life-threatening flooding likely along portions of the northern Gulf coast,” and had added that the hurricane could dump up to 20 inches of rain in some areas.
Sally had maximum sustained winds of 80 miles per hour, the NHC said, storm surge warnings were in effect for parts of the US coast along with tornado warnings.
President Donald Trump speaking on “Fox and Friends” compared hurricane Sally to hurricane Laura which had battered Louisiana and Texas.
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The President said, “This one is smaller but it’s a little bit more direct, but we have it under control.”We have it under watch very strongly.”
Earlier Trump had tweeted, “We are fully engaged with State & Local Leaders to assist the great people of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.” He also urged people to listen to state and local leaders.
According to the Weather Channel, about 75,000 homes in Alabama and Florida were already with power on Tuesday evening. Videos posted on social media also revealed how some areas had started to flood. While the hurricane was crawling at a pace of two miles per hour it was expected to pick up speed through Wednesday reported Weather Channel.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey told a press conference: “We are looking at record flooding, perhaps breaking historic levels. And with rising water comes a greater risk for loss of property and life. I urge you in the strongest way possible to evacuate if conditions permit and seek shelter elsewhere as possible today.”
Ivey had also declared a state of emergency in Alabama ahead of the hurricane’s arrival.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves had also declared a state of emergency ahead of the approaching storm. He stated that the predictions were wearisome.
Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana, which is still recovering after Hurricane Laura made landfall in the state as a Category 4 storm, told residents Monday to be prepared. “Be smart and be safe,” he tweeted.
