FOLEY — As Storm System Isaac treads water along the Gulf of Mexico, South Baldwin is already feeling its effect.

That’s evidenced in the city of Foley’s declaration of a state of emergency during a special-called meeting Sunday afternoon, which was followed by subsequent declarations from both Gov. Robert Bentley and the Baldwin County Commission.

Following those declarations, residents in Zones 1 and 2 along the Gulf Coast and Eastern Shore were ordered to evacuate Monday morning. However, during Sunday’s council meeting, Foley Mayor John Koniar explained that Foley was not included in the evacuation.

“We’re in Zone 4,” he said.

But Summerdale Police Chief Eddie Ingram pointed out that both Foley and Summerdale are affected by the evacuation.

“We are asking all local residents to avoid State Road 59, if at all possible,” he said in a news release. “Please take alternate routes due to a high volume of traffic. If it is necessary for you to travel or cross SR# 59, please do so at a controlled intersection such as County Road No. 32 or the Back Beach Express to avoid delays. “

However, Foley Police Chief David Wilson said Foley Police were prepared for the evacuation.

“We are prepared to handle heavy traffic, both inbound and outbound,” he told the Foley City Council Sunday.

In conjunction with the evacuation, school has been canceled throughout South Baldwin County through Wednesday.

“Closing Monday will allow our employees and our parent families to make proper hurricane preparation,” Baldwin County Public Schools spokesman Terry Wilhite said in a news release.  “We encourage everyone to remain weather alert and follow the guidance of the Emergency Management Agency and weather authorities.”

Also, Tuesday’s municipal elections have been canceled. The Foley City Council was set to reconvene Monday afternoon to set a new date, which will be posted on www.GulfCoastNewsToday.com and in Friday’s Onlooker.

Additional closures have been scheduled, as well, including Prodisee Pantry.

“Our weekly emergency food distribution on Tuesday has been canceled due to Tropical Storm Isaac,” Prodisee Pantry Executive Director Deann Servos said in a news release. “This is an effort to keep volunteers, client families and the community safe. The distribution will resume as normal on Tuesday, Sept. 4th from 9 to 11:30 a.m.”

South Baldwin municipalities and utlity companies are monitoring the storm and preparing for the worst-case-scenario. Among them is Baldwin EMC.

“We have a disaster emergency plan in place and in action,” said cooperative spokesperson Karen Moore. “We have fine-tuned our disaster plan so we can be ready to respond within a matter of hours after a storm hits and begin restoring power as quickly as possible. We want to assure our members we are prepared should Tropical Storm Isaac reach our service area.”

At press time, Isaac was expected to heading toward Louisiana and reach landfall Tuesday afternoon as a Category 1 hurricane. But high winds in South Baldwin could cause power outtages and property damage. So residents are urged to be prepared.

For the latest alerts, visit www.GulfCoastNewsToday.com.