Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley officially declared a state of emergency Sunday afternoon and issued mandatory evacuation orders ahead of Isaac’s expected landfall as a hurricane somewhere along the Gulf coast.

“I am urging everyone to take precautions now, monitor weather warnings, and be prepared for whatever Isaac may bring,” Bentley said.  “By declaring this state of emergency, I am mobilizing the resources our communities need as the storm approaches.”

“This state of emergency indicates we are drawing closer to feeling the impact of Isaac,” Alabama EMA Director Art Faulkner said.  “Please make preparations now for the potential impact of strong winds and heavy rains for your area.”

Bentley is also ordering a mandatory evacuation beginning at 8 a.m. Monday for zones 1 and 2 in both Mobile and Baldwin Counties.

In Baldwin County:  Zones 1 and 2 include all areas south of U.S. Highway 98 and areas on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay that are south of Interstate 10 and west of U.S. Highway 98.  Additionally, all people living in proximity to the Fish, Styx, Blackwater, and Perdido Rivers should evacuate.  Also, all people living in manufactured homes, and those living in low-lying, flood-prone areas should evacuate.

In Mobile County:  Zones 1 and 2 include areas south of Interstate 10 and those areas that are north of I-10 and east of I-65, as well as those east of U.S. 43.  Also, all people living in manufactured homes, and those living in low-lying, flood-prone areas should evacuate.

By declaring a State of Emergency, Bentley is directing the activation of the Alabama Emergency Operations Plan.  Bentley said he is also directing the appropriate state agencies to exercise their statutory authority to assist the communities and entities affected by the storm.  The Alabama Emergency Management Agency is also authorized to make appropriate assessments of damages following the storm and seek any necessary state and federal assistance for affected areas.

Bentley has also ordered Alabama National Guard troops to be on standby in order to assist communities that may be impacted by Isaac.  All key state agencies are also on alert and ready to assist.

Bentley said residents along the coast and inland are all encouraged to continue to monitor changing weather conditions.  The Ready Alabama website, www.readyalabama.gov, includes helpful suggestions to help people prepare for the impact of a hurricane.  Ready Alabama information is also available on Twitter by following @readyalabama.  The Alabama Emergency Management Agency also has information online at www.ema.alabama.gov and on Twitter by following @AlabamaEMA.