Hurricane Isaias caused an estimated $33.5 million in Alabama timber damage, destroying or damaging more than 2.5 million tons of timber across some of the hardest-hit areas of southwest Alabama.

The Alabama Forestry Commission released its preliminary estimate following an aerial survey of Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe counties.

“While we are thankful the damage was not as extensive as it could have been, these losses are still devastating for Alabama landowners,” State Forester Rick Oates said.

“Growing timber is a long-term investment, requiring decades of hard work, careful management and financial commitment. In a matter of hours, a storm can destroy what landowners have spent much of their lives building.”

Forestry Commission pilots surveyed the region Oct. 13 and identified a damaged area approximately 36 miles long and as much as seven miles wide.

The assessment covered 154,783 acres, including 64,795 acres classified as forestland and another 40,805 acres of woody wetlands.

The commission calculated the estimated losses using aerial observations and data from its most recent Forest Inventory and Analysis report.

“Forest inventory data gives us a picture of Alabama’s timber resources long before a storm ever develops,” AFC Forest Health Coordinator Drew Metzler said.

“By combining that information with what we’re seeing from the air, we can begin to understand the extent of the damage and put a dollar value on the losses.”

The commission cautioned that the $33.5 million figure remains preliminary and said additional ground surveys will be needed to verify the extent of the damage.

Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, on the evening of Oct. 9 with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. By 1 a.m. the following morning, the center of the storm was about 55 miles south-southwest of Montgomery, with maximum sustained winds down to 65 mph.

Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].