Evacuation orders now voluntary

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WALA) - On Tuesday, Governor Robert Bentley lifted mandatory evacuation orders covering portions of Baldwin and Mobile Counties and issued voluntary evacuation orders for areas vulnerable to Isaac’s expected impact.

The decision was based on updated forecast models and the National Hurricane Center lifting the hurricane warning that was in effect for the Alabama coast.

Under the amended orders issued Tuesday, the mandatory evacuation orders that were in effect in Baldwin and Mobile Counties are now lifted. Due to the remaining forecasted threats to coastal areas, a voluntary evacuation order is now in effect for those living in low-lying, flood-prone areas of Mobile and Baldwin Counties.

“While the hurricane warning has been lifted, we don’t want people to let down their guard. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts, and heed the warnings of local officials regarding Isaac’s impact in your area,” Governor Bentley said. “We are still recommending that people in low-lying, flood-prone areas move to a safer location. Remember that Isaac is still expected to bring tropical storm-force winds and heavy rains, and storm surge is still expected in certain areas.”