Weather and municipal officials are urging residents to finish preparations for Hurricane Isaias today. Not a resident? They’re asking you to leave, now.
Isaias strengthened into the Atlantic basin’s first hurricane of the season overnight Wednesday into Thursday, marking the longest it has taken a hurricane to form since record-keeping began. It is expected to make landfall on the northern Gulf Coast, potentially around Perdido Key, Friday night as a Category 1 or 2 with winds around 90-100 mph.
Those near the center and to the east will see the worst weather, according to the National Weather Service. A storm surge of 5-7 feet is predicted for the entire Alabama coast and Mobile Bay.
Isaias is expected to produce 3-7 inches of rain through the weekend, with localized totals up to 10 inches between far southeastern Louisiana and the Florida Panhandle.
All of Baldwin County is in a Hurricane Warning, and coastal and low-lying areas near the bay and other water are in a Storm Surge Warning.
In anticipation of the storm, the island cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are encouraging those in the area on vacation, as well as full-time residents in low-lying, flood prone areas to voluntarily evacuate.
“City officials urge all individuals who are not permanent residents to leave the area immediately and relocate to a safer location. Departing now will help reduce congestion, support emergency operations, and ensure the safety of those who may be most vulnerable during the storm,” a joint statement from the cities says.
“We haven't had a voluntary evacuation in a long time, so we don't take it lightly,” Mayor Tony Kennon said. "Please help us by leaving the Islands so that we do what needs to be done.”
