Hurricane Isaias Strengthening: Prepare Immediately

MOBILE, AL – October 9, 2026 – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Mobile, AL, has issued a Tropical Cyclone Local Statement today at 4:31 AM CDT, urging residents to rush all hurricane preparations to completion. Hurricane Isaias is strengthening and expected to make landfall this evening as a dangerous hurricane across coastal Alabama or the western Florida Panhandle. Residents in affected areas should anticipate a rapid deterioration of weather conditions today.

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

Life-threatening storm surge of 5 to 7 feet above normally dry ground is possible near and east of landfall. Damaging hurricane-force winds of 74 to 110 mph are expected, with potential for downed trees, power lines, significant outages, and roof damage. Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are forecast, with isolated amounts of 10 to 15 inches possible, leading to widespread flooding. Tornadoes are also possible, especially across the western Florida Panhandle and south-central Alabama.

Evacuation orders have been issued in some coastal counties; residents should contact local emergency management for information. Ensure you are in a safe location before strong winds or flooding begin. Do not delay departures if relocating to safe shelter. Monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio, or local news for updates. Additional resources: ready.gov and redcross.org. The next update is expected around 10 AM CDT or sooner.