Hurricane Isaias UPDATES: Mobile County and Mobile County Emergency Management Agency

Posted on: Oct 8th, 2026 | Announcements Featured News Press Releases Road Closures

(EMA Update #5, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, 1:50 p.m.)

Gov. Ivey Rescinds Mandatory Evacuation Order

MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey has rescinded the mandatory evacuation order for coastal tourists and visitors, effective Oct. 10.

Local restrictions may still apply. Dauphin Island’s west end remains closed. Residents and visitors should continue following local authorities’ instructions and avoid restricted areas as recovery continues.

(EMA Update #4, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, 10:15 a.m.)

Shelter Operations Concluded

MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. – All three shelters opened in response to Hurricane Isaias have closed, concluding Mobile County's sheltering operations. Together, the shelters served about 100 people. Mobile County EMA thanks the staff, volunteers and partner agencies who supported shelter operations and helped keep residents safe.

(EMA Update #3, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, 9:45 a.m.)

Mobile County EMA Clarifies Presential Disaster Declaration

MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. – The presidential disaster declaration issued for Alabama on Oct. 9, 2026, provides limited federal assistance for certain preparedness activities ahead of Hurricane Isaias. It does not authorize federal disaster recovery assistance for Mobile County residents, businesses or local governments. Additional federal action would be needed to make that assistance available. Should such a declaration be made and assistance be authorized, Mobile County EMA will provide additional announcements.

(EMA Update #2, Thursday, Oct. 8, 5:30 p.m.)

Mobile County EMA Urges Residents and Visitors to Evacuate as Directed; Get to Safety Ahead of Hurricane Isaias

MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. — Mobile County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) urges residents and visitors to check their evacuation zones, follow evacuation orders and reach a safe location by Friday afternoon, Oct. 9, before dangerous conditions from Hurricane Isaias arrive.

Effective at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, Gov. Kay Ivey ordered the mandatory evacuation of nonresidents, tourists and visitors in Mobile County's Zone 1, including all of Dauphin Island and portions of Bayou La Batre. The Town of Dauphin Island also issued an evacuation notice for the island's west end, from Pirate's Cove Street west, effective at 5 p.m. Thursday.

The Mobile County Commission and Town of Dauphin Island have declared local states of emergency to support hurricane response operations.

Everyone should go to https://bit.ly/4dwDfiV to "Know Your Zone” and take appropriate action. Those who have been directed to evacuate by the Governor should leave immediately.

Those in low-lying, flood-prone or storm surge-vulnerable areas, as well as those living in manufactured housing, is strongly urged to relocate to a safer location, regardless of evacuation orders.

Hurricane Isaias threatens Mobile County with life-threatening storm surge, destructive winds, heavy rainfall, significant flooding, possible tornadoes and widespread power outages.

Three public shelters will open at 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9:

Theodore High School: General population and medical needs shelter
Baker High School: General population shelter
Collins-Rhodes Elementary School: General population shelter
Those in need of transportation to a shelter should call 2-1-1.

Residents should stay with family or friends in safer locations when possible. Public shelters are available for those who need them.

Do not wait until conditions deteriorate. Complete preparations, evacuate as directed and get to safety by Friday afternoon.

For evacuation zones, shelter information and official updates, visit www.mobilecountyema.gov, follow Mobile County EMA on social media or use the Mobile County EMA app.

(Mobile County Update #1, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, 3:40 p.m.)

Mobile County Commission issues emergency declaration; closes Government Plaza on Oct. 9;
closes County parks on Oct. 8

MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. – The Mobile County Commission voted on Thursday, Oct. 8, to issue an emergency declaration for Mobile County in advance of Hurricane Isaias beginning 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9.

In the meeting, Mobile County Commissioners approved a resolution that

Declared an emergency or disaster as a result of Hurricane Isaias,
Closed Mobile Government Plaza and all county offices open to the public on Friday, Oct. 9,
Closed all Mobile County Parks effective 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8
Required that all department heads remain in Mobile County for the duration of the emergency, and
Placed all employees on “Emergency Alert” status in accordance with Policy #200-04, the Mobile County Commission Disaster or Emergency Days Policy.

Essential personnel, as directed, will be working during the storm.

According to the Mobile County Holiday Schedule, Mobile County offices were scheduled to be closed on Monday, Oct. 13.

For updates and more information about Mobile County’s response to Hurricane Isaias, please go to https://www.mobilecountyal.gov/latest-news/isaias/ and @MobileCountyAL on social media.

(EMA Update #1 Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, 12 p.m.)

Three Mobile County Shelters to Open Friday Ahead of Hurricane Isaias

MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. — Three public shelters will open in Mobile County at 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9, ahead of Hurricane Isaias, which is expected to bring dangerous winds, life-threatening storm surge, flooding and widespread power outages.

Mobile County is under Hurricane and Storm Surge warnings. Currently, we are encouraging citizens to have a plan to voluntarily evacuate to a safe location.

The following Mobile County Public Schools facilities will serve as shelters:

Theodore High School: 6201 Swedetown Road North, Theodore, AL 36582
Baker High School: 8901 Airport Blvd, Mobile, AL 36608
Cranford Burns Middle School: 6175 Girby Rd., Mobile, AL 36693. This location will serve as a medical needs shelter, with Mobile County Health Department personnel on site.

Residents who need transportation to a shelter should call 2-1-1.

Dangerous conditions are expected to begin Friday afternoon or evening, including hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall, life-threatening storm surge, coastal and urban flooding, significant river flooding and power outages.

Residents in storm surge and flood-prone areas, manufactured homes or other structures that may not withstand hurricane-force winds are strongly urged to relocate to safer locations before conditions deteriorate. Staying with family or friends in a safer area is encouraged. Public shelters are available for those who need them.

Pets and service animals

Only trained service animals are permitted inside the shelters. Mobile County Animal Shelter will have vehicles stationed at each location to accept household pets for transport to the County's animal shelter on Howells Ferry Road, where they will be cared for while their owners are sheltering.

What to bring

Residents should arrive prepared to meet their basic needs. Recommended items include:

Prescription medications and essential medical supplies
Baby formula, diapers and other special dietary items
Food, water and personal necessities for up to 72 hours
Bedding, blankets, pillows and personal hygiene items
Cleaning items with you like soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes or general household cleaning supplies to disinfect surfaces.

Shelter space and amenities are limited. Residents should not expect the same accommodations available at home.

Stay informed

Conditions and official guidance may change as Hurricane Isaias approaches. Residents should monitor Mobile County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) social media, visit mobilecountyema.gov and download the free Mobile County EMA app from the Apple App Store or Google Play for updates.