Major Hurricane Isaias Threatens Gulf Coast: Prepare Now!

Residents across southwest Alabama, northwest Florida, south central Alabama, and inland southeast Mississippi must finalize hurricane preparations immediately as Major Hurricane Isaias accelerates towards the North Central Gulf Coast. The National Weather Service in Mobile, AL issued a Tropical Cyclone Local Statement today, October 9, at 7:35 AM CDT, warning that preparations within storm surge and hurricane warning areas should be completed within the next few hours.

Hurricane Isaias, currently located approximately 260 miles south of Mobile, AL, has intensified to 110 mph winds and is moving north-northeast at 15 mph. Landfall is expected this evening across coastal Alabama or the western Florida Panhandle.

A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for coastal areas including Baldwin Central, Baldwin Coastal, Escambia Coastal, Mobile Central, Mobile Coastal, Okaloosa Coastal, and Santa Rosa Coastal. A Hurricane Warning also extends inland to Baldwin Inland, Conecuh, Covington, Escambia, Escambia Inland, Mobile Inland, Okaloosa Inland, and Santa Rosa Inland. Tropical Storm Warnings are active for Butler, Clarke, Crenshaw, George, Greene, Monroe, Washington, and Wilcox counties. Tropical Storm Watches are in place for Choctaw, Perry, Stone, and Wayne counties.

Life-threatening storm surge of 6 to 9 feet above normally dry ground is possible near and east of landfall. Damaging hurricane-force winds of 74 to 110 mph are expected, causing widespread power outages, downed trees, and roof damage. Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are anticipated, with isolated areas receiving 10 to 12 inches, leading to potential significant flooding and river flooding. A favorable environment for tornadoes will develop Friday night into Saturday morning, primarily across the western Florida Panhandle and south central Alabama.

Evacuation orders have been issued in some coastal counties; check with your local emergency management agency. Ensure you are in a safe location before strong winds or flooding begin. If evacuating, leave early. Follow advice from local officials and comply with all orders. Remember, 911 services may be unable to respond immediately during unsafe conditions. Monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio, or local news for official storm information. This alert expires October 9, 2026, at 3:45 PM UTC.