Area officials continue to watch the forecast for Tropical Storm Isaac, which is lashing the Florida Keys and is expected to become a hurricane when it hits the open Gulf waters.

Escambia County Emergency Management Director David Adams said the current forecast calls for landfall on the Mississippi coast Tuesday night.

“The National Weather Service has advised that this track may change as the storm enters the Gulf of Mexico,” Adams said Sunday afternoon. “Isaac is forecast to intensify to near 100 mph sustained winds before landfall. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for the coastal area from Louisiana to the Florida panhandle.”

Brewton’s gas stations were busy Sunday as residents filled cars and gas tanks to prepare for the storm.

Brewton city officials will meet Monday to determine whether to postpone Tuesday’s scheduled municipal elections. More details here.

Jefferson Davis Community College President Dr. Dan Bain said Friday that school officials would meet Monday as well to review safety procedures with students living in the school’s dorms.

 

Adams said Escambia County would be in the path of bad weather even if the track of the storm goes to the west.

“If this track holds, our area is on the eastern side of the eye which means a higher potential for the damaging effects of the wind and rain,” he said. “Tornado activity is very possible, especially on the northeast side of the approaching storm. Tornado watches and warnings may be issued as early as Monday evening. Given the recent local rainfall, heavy rains associated with TS Isaac could cause local river and stream flooding.”

Stay tuned to brewtonstandard.com for weather updates.