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Hurricane Sally begins to hammer Gulf Coast with relentless rain, rough seas and strong winds

Hurricane Sally has weakened back to a category 1 storm Tuesday morning, but threats of flooding and storm surge still remain very high.
Credit: Leslie Alley
Credit: Leslie Alley

SAN ANGELO, Texas — As of 10 a.m. Tuesday, Hurricane Sally is a category 1 hurricane with winds sustained at 85 mph. It is slowly moving to the northwest at 2 mph. It weakened from a 100 mph category 2 hurricane late Monday, thanks to an increased amount of shear, which is helping to keep the storm from strengthening. 

Credit: Meteorologist Joe DeCarlo

It will continue to push northward at a walking pace throughout the day Tuesday. Heavy rain from Sally's outer bands have already made it to the shoreline of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The rain is expected to continue throughout the day Tuesday and only become heavier as the day progresses. 

Credit: Meteorologist Joe DeCarlo

Landfall is expected overnight in far southern Alabama. However, exact landfall location is still uncertain.

Credit: Meteorologist Joe DeCarlo

As the storm comes ashore, gusty winds will also be a threat. Sustained winds of around 50 mph are likely along the coast, with up to hurricane gusts possible. 

Credit: Meteorologist Joe DeCarlo

Storm surge will be a threat along the coast, especially to the east of the eye of the storm. This is where an onshore flow will push Gulf waters inland. Storm surge is already being seen in parts of southern Mississippi and Alabama. 

Credit: Tucker sonnier
Credit: Tucker sonnier

Flooding will be the main threat with this system as upwards of 15 inches is projected in a wide area. Rainfall totals in excess of 20 inches is likely in isolated locations. 

Credit: Meteorologist Joe DeCarlo

Areas along the coast are on high alert as Sally approaches. A few cities such as Orange Beach, Ala., are under curfews overnight as the storm is expected to be at its worst. 

Credit: City of Orange Beach

Stay with FOX West Texas for the very latest. 

 

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