Foley, Ala. — (OBA) —  The City of Foley has declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Isaias threatens the Alabama Gulf Coast. The Baldwin County Commission has also issued an emergency declaration. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a statewide emergency declaration covering 40 counties, including Baldwin County. The storm is expected to have major impacts on coastal Alabama and northwest Florida.

Gov. Ivey issued her declaration at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. Hurricane Isaias is forecast to make landfall on or near the Alabama Gulf Coast as early as Friday, Oct. 9. The National Hurricane Center said the storm is likely to be a significant hurricane by the time it reaches the shore.

The Baldwin County Coliseum in Robertsdale is scheduled to open Thursday as a public storm shelter. The coliseum is at 19477 Fairground Road in Robertsdale. Residents using the shelter should bring medications, personal items, and other essential supplies.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Foley will open a second shelter at 6 a.m. on Friday. The church is at 506 N. Pine St. Anyone using that shelter is asked to bring their own bedding, supplies and medication.

Non-emergency Foley city offices and facilities will be closed Friday and are expected to reopen Monday, Oct. 12. This includes 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.

City sanitation collection remains on schedule for Friday. Residents should have garbage curbside by 5 a.m. that day, as crews plan to start earlier than usual to finish routes before conditions worsen. Saturday commercial collection routes will not operate.

Foley Public Works crews have been preparing the city's drainage system ahead of the storm. Foley Mayor John Hellmich noted that some areas remain saturated from heavy rainfall over the previous weekend, increasing the risk of 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."

The city is offering free sand to residents at the former Foley Public Works Department site, 120 E. Orchid Ave. Access is via the north gate at the east end of East Marigold Avenue, behind South Baldwin County United Way. Shovels are available on site, but sandbags may be in short supply. Residents are encouraged to bring their own bags if available.

Officials are reminding residents to be self-sufficient for at least the first 72 hours after the storm. During that time, emergency responders and city crews will focus on life safety, clearing major roads, and restoring critical services. Residents should prepare now by taking these steps:

• 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 that emergency services, electricity, cellular service, or other utilities will be immediately available after a major storm. The City of Foley will continue to provide updates as conditions change. Residents with questions may call Foley City Hall at 251-943-1545.