HURRICANE ISAIAS UPDATE | Thursday, October 8, 2026

Hurricane Isaias continues to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico, with significant impacts expected across coastal Alabama from Friday into Saturday. Residents are strongly encouraged to complete storm preparations today.

According to the National Weather Service Mobile/Pensacola’s 5:30 a.m. briefing, Isaias could approach major hurricane strength while over the central Gulf before making landfall somewhere along the northern Gulf Coast Friday night or early Saturday morning.

While the exact track remains uncertain, damaging winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding and tornadoes are becoming increasingly likely across our area.

CURRENT WARNINGS AND WATCHES

  • Hurricane Warning: In effect for coastal Alabama, including Baldwin County.
  • Flood Watch: In effect from 1 p.m. Friday through 1 p.m. Saturday.
  • Storm Surge Warning: In effect for coastal and bay areas of Alabama and northwest Florida.

EXPECTED IMPACTS

  • Damaging Winds: Tropical-storm-force winds could arrive along the coast as early as late Friday morning, with the most likely arrival Friday evening. Downed trees, debris and widespread power outages are possible.
  • Heavy Rainfall and Flooding: Rainfall totals of 3–6 inches are expected across the region, with locally higher amounts possible. Some coastal locations could receive up to 10 inches. With the significant rainfall our area experienced last weekend, additional rain could quickly lead to flash flooding, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas.
  • Storm Surge: Life-threatening storm surge of 5–7 feet is possible in coastal Baldwin County and Mobile Bay. This threat is greatest along and east of where the storm makes landfall.
  • Tornadoes: The risk of tornadoes is increasing, particularly Friday night into early Saturday morning.
  • Dangerous Coastal Conditions: High surf and life-threatening rip currents are expected throughout the weekend.

CITY OF FOLEY OPERATIONS

The City of Foley declared a local state of emergency Wednesday, October 7, in preparation for Hurricane Isaias. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has also declared a state of emergency that includes Baldwin County.

Non-emergency City of Foley offices and facilities will be closed Friday, October 9, with plans to reopen Monday, October 12.

Emergency personnel and essential city services will continue operating as conditions allow.

SANITATION SERVICES

Residential garbage, recycling and green waste/CDD collection is scheduled to operate Friday, October 9, weather permitting.

Residents must have their garbage out by 5 a.m. Friday, as collection routes will begin one hour earlier than normal.

The City will continue monitoring conditions and provide additional updates regarding upcoming residential collection schedules.

SANDBAGS AND SAND AVAILABLE

Free sand is available to residents preparing for potential flooding at the former Foley Public Works Department site at 120 E. Orchid Avenue.

Residents can access the site through the north gate at the east end of East Marigold Avenue, behind South Baldwin County United Way.

Sandbags may be temporarily unavailable due to limited regional supplies. Sand and shovels remain available, and residents are encouraged to bring their own sandbags if possible.

COMPLETE YOUR PREPARATIONS TODAY

  • Secure outdoor furniture, decorations and other loose items.
  • Clear debris from gutters and drainage areas.
  • Charge phones, medical devices and portable batteries.
  • Prepare food, water, medications and other emergency supplies.
  • Fuel vehicles and prepare generators for safe outdoor use.
  • Review family emergency plans and make arrangements for pets.
  • Avoid unnecessary travel once weather conditions begin deteriorating.
  • Monitor official weather forecasts and local emergency announcements.

THE FIRST 72 IS ON YOU!

Residents should be prepared to sustain themselves and their families for at least 72 hours following the storm. Emergency responders may be unable to immediately reach every neighborhood due to flooding, fallen trees, debris or other hazardous conditions.

Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe.

The City of Foley will continue sharing important information regarding weather conditions, city services, road closures and recovery efforts as Hurricane Isaias approaches.