Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — Hurricane Isaias has strengthened into a major Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph as it tracks north-northeast across the Gulf of Mexico toward the coast.

According to the latest advisories from the National Hurricane Center and local National Weather Service offices, Isaias is expected to make landfall late Friday night into early Saturday morning.

• Landfall Location: The forecast track projects landfall along the northern Gulf Coast between coastal Alabama and northwest Florida (specifically between Mobile Bay and Choctawhatchee Bay). The current tracking maps (Below) show the landing will likely take place east of Pensacola, Florida. Since the forward movement speed has increased forecasters are now predicting landfall at (7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. CT).

• Wind Speeds upon Landing: While forecasters note that Isaias may experience minor weakening as it approaches the coast, it is still forecast to strike as a significant, dangerous hurricane with hurricane-force winds near the center. Additionally, forecasters warn of significantly stronger wind conditions on the western side of the storm, with severe impact risks across Baldwin and Mobile counties.

Critical Infrastructure & Bridge Closures

Local officials and public safety agencies have enacted emergency infrastructure shutdowns to protect life and safety ahead of deteriorating conditions:

• Bridge Closures: All bridges accessing Gulf Shores and Orange Beach—including the W.C. Holmes Bridge (Highway 59 Bridge)—are closed as of noon today, Friday, October 9.

• Reopening Schedule: The bridges will remain closed to all traffic and will not reopen until the storm has passed and conditions are thoroughly inspected and deemed safe for travel.

Citywide Curfew

A mandatory citywide curfew is in effect for Gulf Shores from 7:00 p.m. on October 9 to 7:00 a.m. on October 10, 2026, due to Hurricane Isaias. Residents are instructed to finish all travel and remain in their shelter locations during these hours to ensure personal safety and allow public safety personnel to operate effectively during the storm.

Additional Regional Hazards and Directives

• Evacuation Orders: Governor Kay Ivey has issued a mandatory evacuation order for all tourists, visitors, and non-residents located south of the Intracoastal Waterway in Baldwin County (including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach) and coastal Zone 1 in Mobile County. Voluntary evacuations are encouraged for coastal residents in low-lying areas.

• Storm Surge & Flooding: A Storm Surge Warning is active for life-threatening surge levels of 5 to 7 feet, accompanied by 20+ foot breakers along the beaches. Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches (with isolated amounts up to 12 inches) are forecast, creating a high risk of widespread flash flooding.

Officials urge all residents to finalize emergency preparations immediately and remain sheltered in place until local authorities indicate it is safe.

Through every approaching tempest, the residents of Gulf Shores have demonstrated an enduring resiliency forged by generations of living alongside tropical storms. Approaching yet another severe weather event with a steady, calm demeanor, neighbors are once again checking in on one another, sharing supplies, and offering a helping hand long before the first bands of wind and rain arrive.