Montgomery, AL – Alabama officials have announced emergency preparations, coastal evacuations, state office closures and consumer protections as Hurricane Isaias approaches the state, bringing the potential for heavy rainfall, damaging winds, flash flooding and isolated tornadoes.
Governor Kay Ivey declared a State of Emergency for 40 Alabama counties effective Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 4 p.m. The declaration is scheduled to remain in effect through Wednesday, October 14, allowing state agencies to coordinate resources and take precautionary measures ahead of the storm.
Forecasts cited by state officials indicate that portions of Alabama could begin experiencing impacts as early as Friday, October 9.
Calhoun County Under Flood Watch and High Wind Warning
The Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has announced two weather alerts for the county as the storm system approaches Alabama.
According to Calhoun County EMA, the following alerts have been issued:
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Flood Watch: Friday, October 9, beginning at 7 p.m. through Sunday, October 11, at 7 p.m.
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High Wind Warning: Saturday, October 10, beginning at 1 a.m. through Sunday, October 11, at 1 a.m.
The alerts indicate the potential for hazardous conditions, including heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds, downed trees and power outages.
Residents are encouraged to secure loose outdoor items, prepare emergency supplies and monitor updates from Calhoun County EMA and the National Weather Service.
Motorists should exercise caution, particularly in areas susceptible to flooding, and avoid traveling through standing water or around road barricades.
Coastal Evacuations and State Office Closures
On Thursday, Governor Ivey announced additional emergency measures, including a mandatory evacuation for non-residents, tourists and visitors in designated coastal areas.
The evacuation applies to visitors in Baldwin County south of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, as well as Dauphin Island in Mobile County. The directive was issued at the request of local officials and requires affected visitors to evacuate immediately.
The governor also ordered state offices and buildings in nine counties to close beginning Friday, October 9, at noon Central Time.
The affected counties are Baldwin, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Mobile.
Ivey urged residents to monitor weather conditions, follow instructions from local emergency management officials and prepare for potentially hazardous conditions.
Alabama’s Price Gouging Law Takes Effect
Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that Alabama’s price gouging protections are in effect following the emergency declaration.
Under Alabama law, businesses and individuals are prohibited from charging unconscionable prices for goods and services during a declared State of Emergency.
A price increase of 25 percent or more above the average price charged in the same area during the preceding 30 days may constitute price gouging unless the increase can be justified by reasonable costs.
The law applies to commodities and rental facilities, including emergency-related supplies, repair services and storm cleanup services.
Violations can result in fines of up to $1,000 per occurrence. Individuals or businesses found to have willfully and continuously violated the law may also be prohibited from conducting business in Alabama.
“The Governor’s emergency declaration triggers Alabama’s price gouging law, and my office is watching. From now until October 14, anyone looking to profit off a neighbor’s misfortune should know that they will be held accountable,” Marshall said.
Marshall encouraged residents to report suspected violations to his office for investigation.
Consumers can submit complaints through the Attorney General’s website at www.alabamaag.gov by selecting the consumer complaint option. Complaints may also be submitted by calling the Consumer Interest Division at 1-800-392-5658.
ALEA Urges Motorists to Prepare for Hazardous Conditions
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is coordinating with state and local partners to prepare for possible storm-related emergencies.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said troopers and specialized units are prepared to assist communities as needed.
“ALEA is prepared and ready to respond to any challenges this storm may bring,” Taylor said. “Our Troopers and specialized units stand ready to assist communities across the state, and we are working closely with our state and local partners to ensure a coordinated response.”
The agency warned that heavy rainfall could create dangerous driving conditions, particularly in areas prone to flash flooding. Strong winds may also result in downed trees, damaged power lines and debris obstructing roadways.
ALEA encouraged residents to take several precautions before and during the storm.
Before the Storm:
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Monitor forecasts and emergency alerts from the National Weather Service and local emergency management officials.
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Charge cell phones and portable chargers.
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Prepare emergency supplies, including water, flashlights, batteries and necessary medications.
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Develop a family emergency plan and identify a safe location to shelter during tornado warnings.
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Have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts, including a method capable of waking household members overnight.
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Secure outdoor items that could become airborne during strong winds.
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Check vehicle conditions, fuel levels and travel routes before severe weather arrives.
During the Storm:
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Avoid unnecessary travel, particularly during heavy rainfall, flooding or damaging winds.
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Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways or around barricades.
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Reduce speeds, increase following distances and avoid using cruise control on wet roads.
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Remain alert for downed trees, power lines and debris.
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Seek shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued, preferably in a small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
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Never approach or drive over downed power lines.
After the Storm:
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Continue exercising caution, as roadways may remain hazardous after rainfall and strong winds have ended.
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Watch for lingering flooding, fallen trees, storm debris and damaged infrastructure.
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Follow road closure signs and avoid barricaded areas.
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Allow emergency responders, utility crews and roadway maintenance personnel room to work safely.
State Agencies Continue Monitoring Conditions
ALEA said it will continue providing updates regarding significant roadway hazards, closures, traffic incidents and any changes to Driver License Examining Office operations resulting from the weather.
Motorists can access roadway and traffic information through ALGOtraffic.com, while additional public safety announcements will be available at ALEA.gov and through the agency’s social media accounts, @ALEAProtects.
Residents of Calhoun County and surrounding communities are encouraged to monitor local emergency management announcements as conditions develop throughout the weekend.
State officials emphasized that the storm’s full impact remains uncertain and urged residents to remain weather aware, follow official instructions and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their families.
