Tropical Storm — Upper Mobile, Alabama

2008-09-01 · Upper Mobile, Alabama

Event narrative

Hurricane Gustav moved south and west of southwest Alabama. Gustav brought tropical storm force winds to the area that began the end of August and continued into September 1. The highest winds were observed during the morning of September 1. The buoy at Dauphin Island had a sustained wind of 41 MPH with a gust of 59 MPH. The tropical storm force winds also extended over the coastal waters where no observing stations are located. It was estimated that a couple of places north of the coast in southwest Alabama probably saw tropical storm force winds but the winds occurred where no gages were located. No damages were observed from the winds. Most of the damage that occurred for Gustav was from the storm surge. The berm on Dauphin Island was washed away. Heavy rains also occurred over Mobile and Baldwin counties and this along with the high tides caused flooding of Bayou Sara, the Dog river, Dauphin Island, Bayou La Batre and along the causeway. Several major roads in these areas were closed due to high water. Damage estimates from the surge and flooding was $4.5B with most of this on Dauphin Island. The surge heights were estimated at 4-7 feet. Rainfall estimates across most of the area were 5-9 inches. A hurricane warning continued in effect for the area from the end of August until September 1 at 300 AM CST. A tropical storm warning was then issued and remained in effect until 900 PM CST on September 1 when the warning was dropped.

Wider weather episode

Hurricane Gustav brought tropical storm force winds to the coastal areas of southwest Alabama on September 1.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 134507. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.