Media Contact: 

Kay Maghan • Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
[email protected] • AlabamasBeaches.com/Media
1-800-745-SAND • 251-974-4625 (direct) • 251-752-8448 (cell)

GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, AL –The Alabama Gulf Coast was recently placed under a hurricane warning and storm surge warning associated with Hurricane Isaias. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (GSOBT) posted the following update on its storm page at www.AlabamasBeaches.com/situation-updates/.

Evacuate now  
The cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have declared a state of emergency. 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. Once sustained winds reach 45 mph, all bridges will be closed. Don’t count on bridges being open past noon on Friday, and make travel plans accordingly. Alabama’s Beaches could see sustained winds of 74 to 110 mph.  

Current warnings  
Alabama’s Beaches are currently under a Hurricane Warning associated with Hurricane Isaias. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected in the warning area in the next 36-48 hours. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is currently monitoring Isaias and predicts the storm will make landfall anywhere along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Alabama Gulf Coast or Destin around midnight Friday night.  Our area should see the arrival of tropical storm-force winds (39 to 73 mph) by late Friday morning.  

Alabama’s Beaches are currently under a Storm Surge Warning associated with Hurricane Isaias. A storm surge warning means that life-threatening storm surge is expected in the next 36-48 hours. National Weather Service is currently calling for 5-7 ft of storm surge for Alabama’s Beaches and Mobile Bay if peak surge coincides with high tide. Also, heavy rain near the storm's center and along its east side could cause significant flash flooding. A Flood Watch is in effect starting at 1:00 pm on Friday.

Storm track and landfall  
Current NHC predictions do have Alabama’s Beaches within the cone of error for landfall anywhere along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Alabama Gulf Coast or Destin around midnight Friday night. This is, of course, subject to change.

Beach conditions  
Beach hazards: Water is closed. HIGH risk of life-threatening rip currents throughout Friday and Saturday with dangerous surf (20-25 foot breakers on the east side of the storm). Both cities are flying double red flags, which means the waters are closed.  While the surf that comes with weather events may look “fun,” this surf is very dangerous and life-threatening. For your own safety and the safety of others, stay out of the water.

If you have a reservation  
Those who have booked lodging on AlabamasBeaches.com should reach out to their individual merchant of record found in their confirmation email. Be sure to have your confirmation number ready when speaking to reservationist regarding modification or cancellation. All other guests with reservations should contact the company through which they booked the reservation.  

Flights  
Gulf Shores International Airport (JKA/GUF) is currently operating as normal, while monitoring the system and preparing for impacts.  

Allegiant Airlines has issued a travel alert on their website for all travelers from Friday, Oct. 9, through Sunday, Oct. 12 and is communicating with passengers on specific cancellations or delays. Allegiant Airlines can be reached at 702-505-8888.  

Allegiant’s Travel Alert can be found here: https://www.allegiantair.com/travel-alerts.  

National Shrimp Festival cancelled  
“The Annual National Shrimp Festival has been cancelled due to Hurricane Isaias.  Event organizers made every effort to move forward with the festival this year.  However, due to the forecast of high winds, heavy surf, and rain throughout the weekend, the safety of our visitors, vendors, volunteers, and staff must remain our top priority.  

“We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we make this difficult decision.” - Coastal Alabama Business Chamber  

For further questions, please contact the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber.  

State and county emergency declarations  
The State of Alabama has declared a State of Emergency for 40 counties as we prepare for impacts. The state of emergency is effective now until Wednesday, October 14, 2026. For more information from the State of Alabama: https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/category/state-of-emergency/.

Baldwin County has declared a local State of Emergency and is encouraging voluntary evacuations. Those living or visiting low-lying and flood-prone areas are encouraged to evacuate the area. For more information on Baldwin County developments, please visit:  

https://baldwincountyal.gov/home/public-notices 
https://baldwincountyal.gov/services/ema/baldwin-county-updates  

Residents  
Residents should already have their hurricane plans in place and complete those by early Friday morning to prepare for this weather event.  

Stay informed  
As always, residents and visitors are encouraged to educate themselves and stay prepared for all weather events by doing the below.  

Residents and visitors planning to be in town are encouraged to sign up for local emergency alerts through www.alertbaldwin.com. This system is operated by the Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency and sends updates before, during and after a disaster. You will also receive automated messaging from the National Weather Service in Mobile to conveniently stay informed of any weather issues.  

Since weather forecasts can change from day to day, we encourage residents and visitors to check the National Weather Service for Mobile/Pensacola for the most current weather information at http://www.weather.gov/mob/. The National Hurricane Center is also a reliable source for information at https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/, as is the Alabama Weather Network.

Additional information will be posted to this website as it is gathered from verified sources. Check back to AlabamasBeaches.com for the latest updates. 

About Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism:

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism serves as the official destination marketing organization for the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in addition to the unincorporated area of Fort Morgan. To learn more about Alabama’s 32 miles of white-sand beaches, visit AlabamasBeaches.com. This convention and visitors bureau is an accredited Destination Marketing Organization.