Hurricane Isaias Intensifies, Threatens Gulf Coast with Life-Threatening Impacts

Residents across southwest Alabama, northwest Florida, south central Alabama, and inland southeast Mississippi must take immediate action as Hurricane Isaias has strengthened to an 80 mph storm and continues to intensify, according to a Tropical Cyclone Local Statement issued by the National Weather Service in Mobile, AL at 4:23 AM CDT today, October 8.

A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for Baldwin Central, Baldwin Coastal, Escambia Coastal, Mobile Central, Mobile Coastal, Okaloosa Coastal, and Santa Rosa Coastal areas. Hurricane Warnings also extend inland to Baldwin, Escambia, Mobile, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa. Hurricane Watches are in place for Conecuh, Covington, and Escambia counties, while Tropical Storm Watches cover Butler, Clarke, Crenshaw, George, Greene, Monroe, Washington, and Wilcox counties.

Life-threatening storm surge, extensive wind damage, widespread power outages, and dangerous rainfall flooding of 3 to 7 inches with isolated amounts up to 10 inches are expected. A dangerous tornado event is also possible, particularly for coastal Alabama, northwest Florida, and south central Alabama. Residents should complete all preparations now and seek safe shelter before strong winds or flooding begin. Heed all evacuation orders and monitor official updates from the NWS Mobile AL. The next update is expected around 10 AM CDT or sooner. For detailed evacuation information, contact your local emergency management agency: Baldwin County (251-972-6807), Mobile County (251-460-8000), Escambia County, FL (850-471-6400), Santa Rosa County (850-983-5360), Okaloosa County (850-651-7150).