Gulf Coast weather

The first tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season formed Wednesday near the Gulf Coast, bringing intense rain and the threat of dangerous flash floods to states including Texas and Louisiana, meteorologists said. Tropical Storm Arthur was a disorganized cluster of storms that brought rain for days over parts of eastern Mexico and the Gulf. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said conditions were conducive for a short-lived tropical storm to form.

In this episode of Alabama Out Loud, Aydan Conchin explores how the arrival of daylight saving time and longer days signal the early rhythms of spring across the Yellowhammer State — from outdoor spaces and free cultural sites to seasonal routines returning statewide.

In response to Hurricane Helene, United Way of Central Alabama is launching a secure website dedicated to support for the victims of the devastation as they work to pick up the pieces. The deadly story system left behind significant destruction and flooding across six southeastern states.

Helene has made landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida's northwestern coast as a Category 4 hurricane. Forecasters say the storm is threatening a “catastrophic” storm surge in northwestern parts of Florida as well as damaging winds, rains and flash floods. In Alabama, the impact of the storm is lessening across the state.

A large part of Alabama continues to be at risk of flooding through Friday morning as Helene is predicted to intensify as it crosses the Gulf of Mexico. Football fans are also wondering about the weather conditions with the high-stakes game between Georgia and Alabama set for Saturday.

Meteorologists are cautioning Alabamians about Tropical Storm Helene and the storm's possible impact on the state in the following days. This includes storms and a threat of some flooding, with federal aid now being directed to the Yellowhammer State.

Florida A&M University has postponed its upcoming college football game against Alabama A&M because of Tropical Storm Helene. The Rattlers rescheduled the game for Friday, Nov. 29, in anticipation of Helene strengthening into a major hurricane Wednesday while moving north toward the United States.

Francine is weakening after striking Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane as it heads far inland from the Gulf Coast. Power outages and damages are being reported across Central Alabama, including in Jefferson County, Tuscaloosa County and Hale County.

“National Preparedness Month” is recognized throughout September, and Governor Kay Ivey is urging all Alabamians to create a plan and be prepared before disaster strikes. This comes as Hurricane Francine is barreling toward Louisiana and an expected landfall.

Beryl is a disorganized system in the Gulf of Mexico after hitting Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and slamming parts of the Caribbean. As the storm moves toward Texas, weather forecasters are raising the concern of heavier rip currents along the Alabama and Florida Gulf coasts.