Operations and Advisory Notice for Hurricane Isaias
Date: October 8, 2026
As Hurricane Isaias approaches the northern Gulf Coast, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is actively taking precautionary measures to protect park visitors and department facilities.
Mandatory Evacuation
Governor Kay Ivey has issued a Supplemental State of Emergency declaring a mandatory evacuation for non-residents, tourists, and visitors in coastal areas, effective today, October 8, 2026, at 2:30 PM CDT.
Mandatory Evacuation Areas:
- Baldwin County: All locations south of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, which includes Gulf State Park).
- Mobile County: All of Zone 1 (including Dauphin Island and portions of Bayou La Batre).
Meaher State Park Update:
Although Meaher State Park is not in the mandatory evacuation areas identified in the order, anticipated storm conditions may affect park operations and guest access. Please check AlaPark.com/Isaias for updates.
Closures and Cancellations
ALABAMA STATE PARKS DIVISION
- Meaher State Park in Spanish Fort will temporarily close Friday, October 9
- Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores is currently closed
- Meaher and Gulf are currently not accepting reservations
- All other Alabama State Parks are open for reservations for evacuees
Reopening dates for Meaher and Gulf will be announced after a post-storm evaluation. Status updates will also be posted at alapark.com and the Meaher and Gulf Facebook pages: Meaher, www.facebook.com/Meaherstatepark, and Gulf, www.facebook.com/GulfStatePark.
MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION: Marine Resources offices on Dauphin Island and in Gulf Shores are closed until 8 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13.
STATE LANDS DIVISION: The Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Baldwin County is closed until noon on Tuesday, October 13.The closure includes all facilities, trails, boardwalks and boat ramps (except for use by emergency personnel). The State Lands Division Coastal Section offices are currently closed for renovations. Additionally, reservations for the Alabama Canoe Trail System are closed through Friday, October 16. Reservations will reopen on October 17.
WILDLIFE AND FRESHWATER FISHERIES DIVISION: The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division District 5 office and Perdido River Wildlife Management Area office/check station in Baldwin County are currently closed. Reopening dates will be announced when available. Additionally, the following events have been canceled.
- Alabama Deer Herd Health Field Talk in Spanish Fort on October 8
- Baldwin County Youth Dove Hunt in Fairhope on October 10
- Baldwin County Youth Dove Hunt in Elberta on October 11
- Crenshaw County Youth Dove Hunt in Dozier on October 10
- Fred T. Stimpson Small Game Hunt in Clarke County on October 10-11
- Little River SOA Deer Hunt Scout Day in Escambia County on October 10
COASTAL BOAT RAMP ADVISORY: Public boat ramps in coastal and low-lying inland areas may experience elevated water levels, storm surges, and floating and/or submerged debris, making conditions unsafe for use.
Stay Updated
Conditions and facility statuses can change rapidly. For real-time updates regarding specific facility reopenings, park advisories, and emergency announcements:
- Visit the official website at OutdoorAlabama.com/Isaias
- Follow the individual division on social media:
- Monitor localized weather updates via the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the National Weather Service.
