For number of years I was part of a storm team that performed several task including getting there before they hit and helping out afterwards.
One of my responsibilities was also helping with logistics as far as getting truck loads of equipment / supplies to States that could be effected both direct hits and broader areas.
We would stage semis in advance of these storms and they could move elsewhere in quick fashion.
Based on my experience its not unrealistic at all the Bama and Georgia were potentially targeted for peripheral damage. That Gulf coast of Bama is easily effected by a direct hit of florida.
I just don't understand why people make such huge deal out of this including Trump, but for those that participate in the rhetoric don't understand the preparedness that goes into these storms.