Hurricane Sally made landfall near Gulf Shores, Alabama, as a Category 2 storm on Wednesday morning.
What's happening: "Historic and catastrophic flooding is unfolding along and just inland of the coast, from Tallahassee, Florida, to Mobile Bay, Alabama," the National Hurricane Center said, as the storm's eyewall was moving across the coast.
- Some 240,00 PowerOutage.US. customers in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida were without power overnight as Sally's outer bands lashed the region.
- "Sideways rain" and storm surges that covered beaches were reported acrossthe Florida Panhandle and south Alabama, AP notes.
The big picture: The governors of Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and Alabama have declared states of emergency, with more than 17 million people in the storm's path.
- Shelters have opened from Louisiana to the Florida panhandle, with forecasters warning storm surges from Sally could be as large as 11 feet.
What to expect: "Widespread moderate to major river flooding is forecast," the National Hurricane Center said. "Significant flash and urban flooding, as well as widespread minor to moderate river flooding, is likely across inland portions Alabama into central Georgia.
Background: Sally formed as a tropical storm on Saturday off Florida's coast in the Gulf of Mexico.
Editor's note: This is a developing news story. Please check back for updates.
