Ivey Orders Coastal Visitors Out Ahead of Isaias
State of Emergency covers 40 Counties; offices in nine Counties close Friday at noon as Alabama braces for wind, rain and tornadoes
Governor Kay Ivey urged Alabamians Thursday to prepare for Hurricane Isaias, ordering coastal visitors to leave and closing State offices in nine Counties ahead of the storm.
“Forecasts continue to show the real likelihood this hurricane will hit Alabama as early as Friday. NOW is the time to prepare,” Ivey said in her video message.
Ivey’s Oct. 7 emergency proclamation covers 40 counties. The document cites the threat of “winds, flooding, and tornadoes” from Isaias. Her office said the declaration allows the State to take needed steps ahead of landfall.
At local officials’ request, Ivey ordered tourists and visitors south of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in Baldwin County, including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and on Dauphin Island in Mobile County to evacuate immediately. The order targets visitors and non-residents.
State offices and buildings in Baldwin, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Mobile Counties will close Friday, Oct. 9, at noon Central.
Ivey warned of strong winds, heavy rain and possible tornadoes. She urged residents to follow local warnings and use reliable weather reports as conditions change, especially when making weekend travel plans.
The Governor’s message may be seen on YouTube and below:
