Trump Attendance Uncertain as Storm Threatens Alabama-Georgia Game
President Donald Trump said Wednesday he will let Tropical Storm Isaias determine whether he attends the Alabama-Georgia game Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Both No. 2 Georgia and No. 6 Alabama enter 5-0. Isaias is forecast to become a Category 2 hurricane with 110 mph winds over the central Gulf and make landfall late Friday night or Saturday morning from near Biloxi, MS to Panama City, FL. Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches are in effect for Mobile and Baldwin counties and the Alabama coast, with 5-7 feet peak surge forecast. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 25 counties. Baldwin County EMA declared a local state of emergency and is encouraging evacuations within the forecasted storm surge range. James Spann of the Alabama Weather Network said rain is still likely for the game with winds of 20-30 mph and a tornado threat on the table under the current NHC forecast. When asked Wednesday morning, Trump had not been briefed and said, "A hurricane is going in the vicinity of Alabama? That's not good." He said if there is a hurricane he does not want to take the focus from emergency workers and added, "Certainly, I'm going to let the hurricane determine. I want people to be safe, that's all." Daily Mail reported that as of Wednesday afternoon Trump was still planning to attend. Alabama reported no current plans to move or postpone while monitoring with the SEC. Contested in the record is the near-term planning status: Trump deferred to the storm while Daily Mail and a White House official said he was still planning to go as of Wednesday. His final attendance decision and any game changes remain open as the forecast evolves.