Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has declared a state of emergency for dozens of Alabama counties ahead of the expected impacts from Tropical Storm Isaias.
The proclamation was signed Wednesday, October 7, 2026, with the state of emergency taking effect at 4 p.m. CDT. The declaration comes as the National Weather Service forecasts a severe weather event for portions of Alabama, with the potential for strong winds, flooding and tornadoes beginning Friday evening.
According to the proclamation, the anticipated severe weather could cause significant damage to public and private property and create dangers to the health and safety of Alabamians, including potential disruptions to essential utility systems, personal injuries and loss of life.
The proclamation states that the expected conditions could create extraordinary circumstances that may exceed the capabilities of individual counties and municipalities, requiring coordinated state resources.
The state of emergency includes Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Chambers, Chilton, Clarke, Choctaw, Coffee, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Dallas, Elmore, Escambia, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Washington and Wilcox counties.
Several counties within CNAW2News.com’s East Alabama coverage area are included in the declaration, including Lee, Russell, Chambers, Macon, and Barbour counties.
Under the proclamation, Ivey has directed the activation of the Alabama Emergency Operations Plan and appropriate annexes to coordinate the state’s response to the severe weather event.
The Alabama National Guard has also been directed to prepare for activation if ordered by the governor. State agencies are directed to use their authority to assist affected communities and entities with response and recovery efforts.
The Alabama Emergency Management Agency has been directed to assess damage from the storm and seek necessary state and federal assistance for affected areas.
Residents across East Alabama and West Georgia are urged to closely monitor the latest forecasts as Tropical Storm Isaias approaches and conditions evolve. The exact track, timing and severity of impacts remain subject to change.
