10/08/2026
Hurricane Isaias Update No. 4 – 2 p.m. Oct. 8, 2026
The City of Orange Beach continues monitoring updates on Hurricane Isaias from the National Hurricane Center and our local National Weather Service bureau in Mobile.
Hurricane Isaias continues to strengthen over the central Gulf of Mexico and is expected to become a significant Category 2 hurricane by Thursday night into Friday Morning. As of 1 p.m. today, Isaias was located approximately 450 miles south-southwest of Orange Beach and is moving northeast at 10 mph. The system is expected to turn toward the north-northeast and north later this afternoon and into Friday morning before approaching the coast late Friday night. Although strengthening is expected in the next 6-12 hours, a jet stream will interact with this system, bringing higher wind shear and dry air. This will then cause the system to wobble, becoming weaker and lopsided as it approaches the coast. We expect it to weaken to either a Category 1 or the weak side of a Category 2 hurricane. Landfall location is expected anywhere between Mobile Bay and Pensacola Bay. The AL/FL state line will be very near the landfall location based on the latest advisory. Please note there WILL still be shifts in the track for each advisory. Expect the worst-case scenario at all times and do not assume the latest advisory is the final word on the landfall location.
--> Significant impacts are likely: Impacts include damaging winds (downed trees and powerlines), life-threatening storm surge (5-7 feet), high surf, rip currents (double-red flags are flying with Gulf waters closed), flash flooding, and tornadoes.
--> 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.
--> As conditions worsen, a curfew will go into effect late Friday night and into Saturday morning. Please stay off the roads. On Saturday, sightseers are urged to stay home for the safety of everyone.
Today is a day of preparation! Stock your emergency supply kit with three days’ worth of water, food, medical supplies, and personal items. Remember: the first 72 is on you!
The City’s Emergency Management staff have been meeting with key city personnel and all utility companies throughout the day Thursday to ensure a swift response and recovery.
--> Baldwin EMC has its control center fully staffed. Crews are on call and ready to respond to outages or other emergencies. To report an outage, call 251-989-6247.
--> CMC Gas is prepared to keep gas on for the majority of the city. In flood-prone areas, there will be isolated gas shutoffs to ensure safety. Storm surge will dictate what areas are turned off. For all gas emergencies, call CMC’s 24/7 line at 1-800-449-3338.
--> The Orange Beach Water Authority is urging customers to help prevent property damages and water loss due to broken water lines by turning off water to piers, boat houses, irrigation, and accessory buildings. If you are evacuating, please turn off the water at your meter before leaving. The after-hours water emergencies, call 251-989-4651. The office line is 251-981-4233.
--> The Orange Beach Sewer Department asks those in flood-prone areas to turn off grinder pumps. If a grinder pump is left on and under flood waters, it will continuously pump floodwater through the system. Lift stations have generators to keep the system running in the event of a power outage.
--> Republic Services will pick up residential garbage beginning at 4:30 a.m. Friday morning and trucks will depart the island by 9:30 a.m. The landfill will be closing between 10-11 a.m. After pickup, please secure your trash can. We ask that all containers, including recycling, are moved away from roadway or right-of-way areas and are 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.
--> The city’s debris removal contractor, DRC Emergency Services, is staged and ready to respond as soon as the storm passes.
Out of abundance of caution and so families can prepare for the storm, the City closed non-essential offices and facilities at noon today - Thursday, Oct. 8th. All city programs and activities have been canceled as well. Finance and City Hall will remain open until 5 p.m. today to assist the public. Hurricane decals will be issued until 5 p.m. today.
Orange Beach City Schools canceled school and all school-related activities for today. Fall break begins Friday and classes are scheduled to resume Tuesday.
--> Orange Beach and Gulf Shores continue to strongly encourage all non‑residents, and residents living in low-lying, flood prone areas to voluntarily evacuate.
--> Sand and sandbags (while supplies last) remain available for residents to fill themselves behind City Hall at 4099 Orange Beach Blvd. A shovel is provided if individuals do not have one.
--> If you have a boat or vessel and haven’t already done so, secure it or move it to higher ground.
--> With high winds expected, residents and local property owners are encouraged to secure all outside items around their properties, such as patio furniture, umbrellas, awnings, and trash/recycling receptacles.
--> For hurricane re-entry decal information, visit the City Website at https://www.orangebeachal.gov/274/Hurricane-Decals. They will be issued at Finance until 5 p.m. today - Thursday.
--> Double-red flags began flying at the beach today, meaning the Gulf waters are closed. For a detailed beach report, call 251-981-SURF (7873).
Baldwin County plans to open its shelter at the Baldwin County Coliseum in Robertsdale at 3 p.m. today. 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. Friday - 506 N. Pine St., Foley. Bring your own bedding, supplies, and medications. Meals provided. Info: 251-256-8202.
Residents and property owners are urged to prepare now. Check your emergency kit and fill up with gas.
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.
