A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for Cherokee County.

Tropical Storm Zeta is located just offshore of the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and is expected to continue moving into the southern Gulf of Mexico tonight. 

Zeta is expected to strengthen to a Hurricane and make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast by Wednesday evening and move quickly across the Central Alabama area Wednesday night. 

A swath of 30-40 mile per hour winds is expected to occur along the right of Zeta’s track, roughly south of I-59, with gusts of 40-55 mph possible.

At this time, rainfall amounts could be between 2-4 inches with locally higher amounts, which may cause localized flooding. There is also a low threat of a brief tornado Wednesday night.

Now is the time to secure any outdoor patio furniture or any other lawn decorations that may blow away. Some damage to roofs and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports and sheds is also possible.

Large amounts of rainfall and saturated ground conditions may also cause trees to uproot and snap. Some roads may become impassable from tree debris and flooding. 

Scattered power outages and communications outages may also be possible. 

Be sure to download our free mobile app and follow us on Facebook for frequent updates. Keep a radio tuned to 100.5 FM/990 AM for up to the minute weather reports.