Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach officials urge residents to complete storm preparations and consider voluntary evacuation as Hurricane Isaias approaches the northern Gulf Coast. The storm strengthened into a hurricane overnight, prompting hurricane and storm surge warnings for the area. Forecasters warn of damaging winds, flooding, and storm surge reaching 5 to 7 feet. City facilities are closing, schools have canceled classes, and officials warn that bridges could close as early as Friday afternoon. 

Below is the City of Orange Beach's 3rd advisory.

Hurricane Isaias Update No. 3 – 5 a.m. Oct. 8, 2026

The City of Orange Beach continues to monitor updates on Hurricane Isaias from the National Hurricane Center and our local National Weather Service bureau in Mobile. 

Isaias strengthened into a Hurricane overnight as expected and continues to push east-northeastward across the southwestern Gulf. The Hurricane Watch was also upgraded to a Hurricane Warning for all coastal counties. The Storm Surge Watch was upgraded to a Storm Surge Warning for the coastline.

Isaias is forecast to make landfall somewhere along the northern Gulf Coast Friday night into early Saturday, anywhere between the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Destin, Florida. While some weakening is expected before landfall, it could still be a significant hurricane when it reaches the coast.

Potential impacts continue to increase:

• Hurricane-force winds near the center, with tropical-storm-force winds potentially reaching the coast as early as late Friday morning and inland areas Friday afternoon.
• Once sustained winds reach 45 mph, all bridges will be closed. Don’t count on bridges staying open past noon on Friday, and plan travel accordingly. 
• Life-threatening storm surge up to 5–7 feet, especially along and east of the landfall point.
• Numerous instances of flash flooding, especially along coastal areas.
• Tornadoes, particularly east of the center.
• Dangerous surf and a high risk of rip currents.
• Locations of the greatest impacts will depend on the exact track.
• Out of an abundance of caution, the City will close non-essential offices and facilities at noon today, Thursday, Oct. 8th. All city programs and activities are also canceled. Finance and City Hall will remain open until 5 p.m. 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. 
• On Wednesday afternoon, the City and Baldwin County issued a Local State of Emergency, and Gov. Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency for 40 Alabama counties. 
• Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are encouraging all non‑residents and residents living in low-lying, flood-prone areas to voluntarily evacuate. 
• Sand and sandbags are available for residents to fill themselves behind City Hall at 4099 Orange Beach Blvd. A shovel is available if you don't have one. Sand and sandbags will be replenished throughout the day, but supplies may run out for short periods. 
• If you have a boat or vessel and haven’t already, secure it or move it to higher ground.
• Turn off water lines on piers. 
• 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. Finance will issue them until 5 p.m. today, Thursday. 
• Please keep the right-of-way and curbs in front of your home clear of debris. 
• Contractors should pick up/secure all construction-related property and debris. 

Double-red flags will begin 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/serv.../ema/shelters/pet-shelter. BRATS 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 it 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. For additional city information, visit www.orangebeachal.gov. The City will provide updates as they become available.