Hurricane Nate update

Published 3:19 pm Saturday, October 7, 2017

Hurricane Nate is currently forecasted to make landfall along the Mississippi coast tonight.  Currently Hurricane Nate has sustained winds of 90mph and is moving to the north-northwest at 25 m.p.h.  Tropical storm force winds extend outward several miles.

Escambia County has a 60-80 percent chance to experience tropical storm conditions.  Tropical storm force winds may reach Escambia County by approximately 8 p.m.  Rainfall totals are expected to be between 3 and 5 inches.  Locally, an elevated threat of tornadoes.

Nate, which was upgraded to a hurricane late Friday, is moving very quickly and could become a Category 2 hurricane before it comes ashore, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Nate’s winds were holding at 90 mph, making it a strong Category 1 hurricane. Category 1 winds range from 74 mph to 95 mph.

Forecasters said conditions favor Nate getting a little stronger over the next 12 hours before it makes landfall, with low wind shear and warm water in its path. Its winds could possibly top out at 105 mph, according to the latest intensity forecast.