Tropical Storm Michael: How will this affect Alabama?

Tropical Storm Michael continued to strengthen on Monday as the Gulf of Mexico approached.

Michael is expected to become a hurricane later in the day and should land somewhere in the Florida Panhandle or Big Bend areas – probably as a Category 3 hurricane. [Other updates and radar imagery at al.com/hurricane]

"It's a storm to be taken very seriously," said the national meteorological service in Tallahassee, Florida, on Monday.

The current forecast trail of the National Hurricane Center places the coastal areas of Alabama on the west side of the storm center. If there is a "good side" of a hurricane, it is the west side. The storm will still have effects, but they should not be as bad as they are on the east side.

However, this might not be the case for southeastern Alabama, which will be closer to where Michael will touch the ground. Parts of southeastern Alabama could see strong winds, heavy rains and a threat of tornadoes from Michael as she lands in the Panhandle.

A tropical storm watch was issued on the Alabama coast as well as parts of southern Alabama.

The counties that monitor the tropical storm in Alabama are: Butler, Crenshaw, Conecuh, Monroe, Covington, Baldwin, Mobile, Escambia, Houston, Henry, Dale, Cafe, and Geneva.

The National Weather Service warned that changes in the trajectory of the storm were still possible, and that Alabama would feel the effects of the storm even if it did not touch the state's soil.

Tropical storm force winds (39-73 mph) will be possible in the coastal areas of Alabama. However, the weather service is not scheduled for Monday morning, in anticipation of such strong winds: 20-30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

Surfing is already dangerous along the coast:

[?] [?] Be careful on the beaches today because the waves are already increasing #Michael. HIGH SURF WARNING & HIGH #RipCurrent RISK on the coastal beaches of Alabama and northwestern Florida. Red flags floating on most local beaches. https://t.co/PvA5nLo40j

– NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) October 8, 2018

A storm surge of up to 2 feet will be possible in some areas from Tuesday afternoon to Thursday morning, but the coastal areas of Alabama are not monitored like that of the Florida Panhandle.

Areas in southwestern Alabama could also receive Michael's rain, with a possible 1 to 3 inch distance closer to the coast.

As the Alabama coastline is expected to be on the west side of Michael's center, the tornado threat will be minimal, according to the weather service.

One of the main concerns of southwestern Alabama will be the potential for deadly return currents. A high risk of return currents will occur at least Thursday on the beaches of Alabama and northwestern Florida.

Areas located inland in southeast Alabama could see more of Michael's effects and should plan for hurricane conditions, according to the Tallahassee National Weather Service , which publishes forecasts for this region.

According to the weather service, winds in the southeast corner of Alabama around the Dothan area are expected to blow between 45 and 60 mph.

The meteorological service predicts the strongest winds from Wednesday morning to Thursday morning.

However, forecasters warned that there could be a risk of hurricane force strength depending on Michael's trajectory and its intensity as the approach of the landing.

Areas in southeastern Alabama could receive 3 to 6 inches of Michael's rain, with locally higher amounts.

This southeast corner of the state will also have to be on the lookout for some tornadoes when Michael's rainbands will move ashore and inland.

According to the weather service, Michael's effects on central and northern Alabama will not be as severe.

But there will be some.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham said that 3 to 4 inches of rain would be possible in central Alabama, mainly south of the interstate corridor.

Wind gusts of 20-30 mph will also be possible.

In regards to northern Alabama, the Huntsville National Weather Service has stated that a "limited impact" of Michael's rainbands is expected in the Tennessee Valley, but that heavy rains will be possible locally, especially in northeastern Alabama.

See all local hurricane weather forecast here.

[?] [?] #Michael Tip – Know which NWS office makes forecasts for YOUR REGION during the hurricane season! It is also important to know the name of the county in which you live / work. #mobwx

[?] NWS offices surrounding: @NWSNewOrleans @NWSJacksonMS @NWSBirmingham @NWSTallahassee pic.twitter.com/HzKkJEns1B

– NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) October 8, 2018

There will be a good thing coming from Michael when he leaves the area.

According to forecasters, counterclockwise traffic around the storm will draw colder, drier, and more autumnal air into the state later this week.

Highs and lows in the 70s and 80s are expected throughout the state this weekend, with hollows that can plunge into the 50s up to the south of Mobile.