Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — Baldwin County officials have issued a Local State of Emergency alongside Governor Kay Ivey's statewide declaration as Hurricane Isaias continues to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico and move toward the northern Gulf Coast. A Hurricane Warning and a Storm Surge Warning are currently in effect for all of coastal Baldwin County and the Mobile Bay coastline.

• Forecasted Landfall Time: Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast between Friday night and early Saturday morning. Tropical storm-force winds are anticipated to arrive as early as late Friday morning along the coast and Friday afternoon across inland Baldwin County.
• Expected Wind Speeds at Landfall: Sustained wind speeds at landfall are forecast to be between 85 and 105 mph (Category 1 to Category 2 strength), with localized gusts exceeding 80 mph across southern Baldwin County.

Local Alerts & Environmental Threats

• Active Warnings: A Hurricane Warning and a Storm Surge Warning are currently in effect for all of coastal Baldwin County.
• Storm Surge & Coastal Impacts: Life-threatening storm surge of 5 to 7 feet is forecast along the coastline and Mobile Bay, accompanied by 20 to 25-foot surf breakers and dangerous rip currents.
• Heavy Rainfall & Flooding: Storm-total rainfall of 3 to 6 inches is expected across the area, with isolated totals up to 10 inches near the coast, posing a significant flash flooding threat.
• Tornado Risk: An elevated risk for tornadoes exists Friday night through Saturday morning.

Baldwin County Emergency Response & Preparations

• Emergency Declarations: A Local State of Emergency has been declared by the Baldwin County Commission and municipalities including Foley, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach. Governor Kay Ivey has also issued a State of Emergency covering 40 Alabama counties.
• Evacuation Guidance: Voluntary evacuations are strongly advised for residents in low-lying, flood-prone communities and coastal areas.
• Public Shelters:
• Baldwin County Coliseum: Located at 19477 Fairground Rd, Robertsdale, AL (includes a pet-friendly shelter).
• St. Paul's Episcopal Church: Located at 506 N. Pine St, Foley, AL (opens 6:00 AM Friday).
• Sand Distribution Sites: Self-service sand locations are open at the Baldwin County Central Annex in Robertsdale as well as municipal sites in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley, Daphne, and Bay Minette.