Gulf Shores and Orange Beach urge visitors to leave ahead of Isaias

In a joint release Wednesday afternoon, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach encouraged all non-residents, and residents of low-lying, flood-prone areas, to voluntarily evacuate. City officials urged anyone who is not a permanent resident "to leave the area immediately and relocate to a safer location," saying early departures reduce congestion and support emergency operations.

"Our first responsibility is to safeguard lives and ensure that emergency services and utility crews can operate effectively as conditions worsen," Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft said. Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon said the cities "haven't had a voluntary evacuation in a long time, so we don't take it lightly."

Baldwin County issued a voluntary evacuation recommendation for coastal and flood-prone areas the same day. No mandatory evacuation had been announced at the county's Wednesday briefing, NBC 15 reported. AL.com reported that Sheriff Anthony Lowery said hotel and condominium occupancy along the beaches remained above 80%.

If you're a visitor with a reservation this weekend, contact your rental company or hotel about cancellation and refund policies.