10/09/2026
Hurricane Isaias Update No. 5 – 5 a.m. Oct. 9, 2026
Hurricane Isaias is strengthening and the City of Orange Beach urges everyone to make final preparations this morning. Impacts are expected to peak Friday afternoon and evening along the coast and into Saturday morning inland. Last-minute preparations should be rushed to completion as weather will go downhill quickly today.
Landfall is still expected somewhere between Mobile Bay and Choctawhatchee Bay Friday evening into early Saturday morning.
As of 4 a.m., the eye of Hurricane Isaias was about 200 miles SSE of the mouth of the Mississippi River. Isaias remains a strong Category 2 storm with 110 mph winds, currently moving NNE at 15 mph. A turn toward the north is expected later today. On the forecast track, Isaias is expected to approach the northern Gulf Coast this afternoon and make landfall within the warning area. Air Force and NOAA Hurricane Hunter data indicate that the maximum sustained winds have increased to near 110 mph with higher gusts. Isaias is likely to become a major hurricane this morning. Slight weakening is expected before landfall, but it is expected to remain a dangerous hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles.
While the storm is not expected to make landfall at peak intensity, significant impacts are likely. Impacts include:
--> Hurricane-force winds near the center, along with an expansive tropical storm force wind field.
--> Life-threatening storm surge up to 5-7 feet.
--> Dangerous beach conditions - including extremely high surf and high risk of rip currents.
--> Numerous instances of flash flooding, where considerable and life-threatening flash flooding is possible.
--> Tornadoes - particularly for areas east of the center
Take this seriously. All personal water, food, medical supplies, and personal items should be stocked up to last for three days. Remember: the first 72 is on you!
--> Gov. Kay Ivey issued a mandatory evacuation of coastal tourists and visitors, as of 2:30 p.m. Thursday. All non-residents, tourists, and visitors south of the Intracoastal Waterway need to be off the island as soon as possible this morning.
--> All residents living in low-lying, flood prone areas are strongly encouraged to voluntarily evacuate.
--> All roadways and bridges within the City of Orange Beach remain open at this time. Once sustained winds reach 45 mph all bridges will be closed. Don’t count on bridges being open past noon today and make travel plans accordingly. The City will issue immediate notifications regarding any closures, including through orangebeachal.gov, and official social media channels.
--> When conditions worsen, a curfew is expected to go into effect at some point tonight and into Saturday morning. Please stay off the roads. On Saturday, sightseers are urged to stay home for the safety of everyone.
--> Non-essential city offices are closed today - Friday, Oct. 9. All emergency services are fully staffed and ready to respond.
--> City crews will be on the ground immediately at daybreak on Saturday morning. Once everything is safe, bridges will be reopened. If ground conditions are bad with a longer period of cleanup required, residents and business operators may be required to show a valid re-entry pass to access their designated areas once conditions are safe. The re-entry decal system is really meant to be used when a mandatory evacuation is ordered for everyone on the island. Only non-residents were ordered by the state to evacuate for Hurricane Isaias. Additional information will be shared in the afternoon update as more updated landfall forecasts come in.
--> Sand remains available for residents behind City Hall at 4099 Orange Beach Blvd. A shovel is provided if individuals do not have one. The sand and sandbag supplies were limited late Thursday and may or may not be available this morning. Once it's gone, it will not be replenished today.
--> Boats or vessels should be secured or moved to higher ground.
--> For any personal property left unattended or stored at City-owned or operated facilities and properties, the City is not liable for any theft, loss, damage, or destruction of that property. By leaving personal property at a City-owned/operated facility or property, individuals do so at their own risk.
--> All outside items around properties should already be secured, such as patio furniture, umbrellas, awnings, and trash/recycling receptacles.
--> Republic Services is running residential garbage routes this morning and will be wrapped up by 9:30 a.m. After pickup, please secure your trash can. We ask that all containers, including recycling, be moved away from roadway or right-of-way areas and secured under a carport or behind your residence or business until after the storm.
--> Please do not put any more debris on the side of the road. This is crucial! The right-of-way areas need to be clear before the storm-related weather arrives during the day Friday.
--> Double-red flags will continue to fly at the beach, meaning the Gulf waters are closed. For a detailed beach report, call 251-981-SURF (7873).
Baldwin County has a shelter open at the Baldwin County Coliseum in Robertsdale. The address is 19477 Fairground Road. Bring bedding, medications, personal items, and ID. A pet friendly shelter available at the same location. For more information:https://baldwincountyal.gov/services/ema/shelters/pet-shelter. BRATS Transportation: Transportation to shelters will be available while conditions remain safe - 251-972-6817.
Also, a VOAD Community Shelter will open at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Foley at 6 a.m. today - 506 N. Pine St., Foley. Bring your own bedding, supplies, and medications. Meals provided. Info: 251-256-8202.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to check the National Hurricane Center at www.hurricanes.gov or the National Weather Service for the most current weather information at www.weather.gov/mob. Additional city information can be found at www.orangebeachal.gov. The City will provide updates as they become available. Please be prepared!
