Hurricane Warning Issued for Coastal Areas, Isaias Nearing Strength

Residents across coastal Alabama and the western Florida panhandle are urged to complete hurricane preparations immediately as Tropical Storm Isaias approaches hurricane strength. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Mobile, AL, issued a Tropical Cyclone Local Statement tonight, October 7, at 10:17 PM CDT, upgrading multiple areas to Hurricane and Storm Surge Warnings. These warnings are in effect for Baldwin Central, Baldwin Coastal, Escambia Coastal, Mobile Central, Mobile Coastal, Okaloosa Coastal, and Santa Rosa Coastal counties, as well as Baldwin Inland, Escambia Inland, Mobile Inland, Okaloosa Inland, and Santa Rosa Inland.

Isaias is currently located approximately 590 miles south-southwest of Mobile, AL, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, moving east-northeast at 9 mph. It is forecast to become a strong hurricane by Friday night, October 9, when it is expected to approach the northern Gulf coast. Life-threatening storm surge with extensive inundation, significant wind damage, and up to 10 inches of localized rainfall are anticipated, particularly along and east of the landfall area. Isolated tornadoes are also possible from Friday night into early Saturday morning. This alert is effective until October 8, 2026, 6:30 AM UTC.

All preparations to protect life and property should be finalized now. Residents in areas under warnings should consider evacuating if advised by local officials. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways. Monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio, or local news for continuous updates. For additional 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).