Governor Robert Bentley has declared a statewide state of emergency Sunday and issued mandatory evacuation orders in anticipation for Isaac’s expected landfall as a hurricane along the Gulf Coast.

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

The mandatory evacuations will begin 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.

In Mobile County, zones 1 and 2 include areas south of I-10 and those areas that are north of I-10 and east of I-65 and east of U.S. Highway 43. All people living in manufactured homes, and those living in low-lying, flood-prone areas should evacuate.

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