The City of Foley declared a state of emergency Wednesday, Oct. 7, as Tropical Storm Isaias threatened the Gulf Coast.
The Baldwin County Commission also issued a declaration of emergency.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey issued a state declaration of emergency for 40 counties, including Baldwin, at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Isaias is expected to make landfall on or near the Alabama Gulf Coast as soon as Friday, Oct. 9. The storm is likely to be a significant hurricane by the time it reaches the shore, according to the National Hurricane Center. Major impacts are expected in coastal Alabama and northwest Florida.
Residents should monitor forecasts and weather alerts and prepare for the possible impact of a tropical storm or hurricane.
Isaias is expected to make landfall on or near the Alabama Gulf Coast as early as Friday, Oct. 9. The storm is forecast to strengthen significantly before reaching the northern Gulf Coast, with potentially significant impacts expected across coastal Alabama and northwest Florida.
Residents are urged to complete storm preparations now and continue monitoring official weather forecasts and emergency information.
Shelter opening in Robertsdale
The Baldwin County Coliseum in Robertsdale is scheduled to open Thursday as a shelter for residents who need a safer place to stay during the storm. The coliseum is located at 19477 Fairground Road in Robertsdale. Residents planning to use a shelter should bring necessary medications, personal items and other essential supplies.
City offices and facilities
Non-emergency Foley city offices and facilities will be closed Friday and are scheduled to reopen Monday, Oct. 12. Closures include the city museums, Foley Community Library and the Interpretive Center at Graham Creek Nature Preserve. The Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen’s Market will also be closed Saturday.
Sanitation and debris collection
Residential garbage, recycling and green waste/CDD collection remains scheduled for Friday. Residents should have all items placed curbside by 5 a.m. Friday. Residential crews will begin collection earlier than usual in an effort to complete routes before weather conditions deteriorate.
Commercial collection will run at its normal scheduled time Friday. Saturday commercial collection routes will not run.
Hellmich said Foley crews have been working to clear ditches and drainage areas in preparation for the storm. With some areas still saturated following heavy rainfall last weekend, additional rainfall could increase the potential for localized flooding.
“Our Public Works crews worked throughout last week to make sure our drainage system was open and our ditches were clear,” Hellmich said Wednesday. “They are continuing that work now and will continue as we prepare for the storm.”
Sand available
The city is providing free sand for residents preparing for potential flooding at the former Foley Public Works Department site, 120 E. Orchid Ave. Access is through the north gate at the east end of East Marigold Avenue, behind South Baldwin County United Way.
Sand and shovels are available, but sandbags may be temporarily unavailable due to limited supplies. Crews are restocking as supplies allow. Residents are encouraged to bring their own sandbags if available.
The first 72 is on you
Residents should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least the first 72 hours following the storm. Emergency responders and city crews will be focused on life safety, clearing major roadways, assessing damage and restoring critical services.
Residents should prepare now by:
- Keeping vehicles fueled.
- Having enough drinking water and nonperishable food for at least three days.
- Filling prescriptions and having necessary medications on hand.
- Charging phones, portable chargers and other essential devices.
- Having flashlights, batteries and a battery-powered or weather radio available.
- Securing outdoor furniture and other loose objects.
- Keeping important documents protected from water.
- Making plans for family members, pets and anyone who may need additional assistance.
- Avoiding unnecessary travel during and immediately following the storm.
Residents should not assume emergency services, electricity, cellular service or other utilities will be immediately available following a major storm.
The City of Foley will continue providing updates as conditions and city operations change. Residents with questions may call Foley City Hall at 251-943-1545.