History of Hurricane Sally in Timeline

Hurricane Sally, the seventh hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, was a slow-moving and destructive storm. It formed from a disturbed weather system near the Bahamas on September 10 and made landfall as a tropical depression on Key Biscayne on September 12. Despite initial wind shear hindering its development, Sally intensified into a Category 1 hurricane on September 14. After a brief weakening, it unexpectedly restrengthened to Category 2 before making landfall near Gulf Shores, Alabama, on September 16 with winds of 110 mph. This was the first hurricane to hit Alabama since Ivan in 2004, coincidentally on the same date and location. Sally rapidly weakened after landfall, becoming an extratropical low on September 17 and eventually dissipating on September 18. The storm's slow movement exacerbated its impact, causing significant damage and flooding.

2004: Hurricane Ivan's impact on a Gulf Shores pier

In 2004, Hurricane Ivan destroyed a pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The pier had been recently renovated following its destruction in 2004 but was damaged again by Hurricane Sally shortly after its reopening.

2004: Hurricane Ivan makes landfall in Alabama

In 2004, Hurricane Ivan made landfall in Alabama, causing significant destruction. This event is relevant as Hurricane Sally, in 2020, made landfall on the same date and in the same location as Ivan.

2005: Previous record for earliest 18th named storm

In 2005, Hurricane Stan set the previous record for the earliest formation of an 18th named storm in a hurricane season. This record was broken in 2020 by Hurricane Sally.

August 2020: Meteorological origins of Hurricane Sally

In August 2020, meteorological events, including a shortwave trough interacting with a decaying frontal boundary, led to the development of Tropical Storm Omar, which eventually influenced the formation of Hurricane Sally.

September 13, 2020: Emergency declarations and evacuations in Mississippi due to Hurricane Sally

On September 13, 2020, a state of emergency was declared in Mississippi due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Sally. Evacuations were ordered for parts of Harrison and Hancock counties.

September 14, 2020: Emergency declarations and evacuations in Alabama due to Hurricane Sally

On September 14, 2020, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency and ordered evacuations of low-lying and flood-prone areas as Hurricane Sally approached. Beaches were also closed.

2020: Hurricane Sally aftermath and damage assessment

Following Hurricane Sally's landfall in 2020, widespread damage was reported, including wind damage, storm surge flooding, and heavy rainfall, particularly between Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida. The total damage was estimated at $7.3 billion.

2020: Hurricane Sally formation and impact

In 2020, Hurricane Sally formed and became the first hurricane to make landfall in Alabama since Hurricane Ivan in 2004. It was a destructive and slow-moving storm, part of a very active hurricane season.