MOBILE, Ala. (AP) -- Forecasters say Alabama is in for more rough weather as Isaac pushes north from the Gulf Coast.

Southwest Alabama remains under a tornado watch through Wednesday morning, and the weather service says a storm surge of as much as 8 feet could affect northern Mobile Bay.

Winds howled and heavy rain pounded the state's coast as Isaac made landfall in Louisiana on Tuesday night. Forecasters are predicting hours of heavy rains in the region as the large storm moves inland.

Isaac left thousands without power along the coast.

One question yet to be answered is whether the heavy surf will deposit oil left by the BP spill on gulf beaches. Alabama officials expect some tar balls to be dredged up by Isaac, and they'll assess beaches as weather improves.