Gov. Kay Ivey orders office closures as Isaias approaches

0Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has ordered state offices and buildings in nine counties to close at noon Friday, Oct. 9, as Hurricane Isaias approaches the state.

The governor’s announcement comes as Isaias’ forecast path continues toward Alabama and the storm has strengthened into a hurricane. A flood watch is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Friday in the affected counties.

Ivey cited the potential for dangerous weather and difficult travel conditions in ordering the closures. Officials expect severe weather in some areas as the hurricane moves through.

State employees in nine counties will not be required to report to closed offices after noon Friday.

In other Alabama counties, agency and department leaders can decide whether offices should close based on local weather conditions.

The closures focus on areas where the hurricane system could pose the greatest risk.

Ivey also directed state agency leaders to consider employee safety when deciding whether additional closures are necessary.

Officials are being asked to evaluate conditions locally rather than automatically closing offices statewide.

Agencies responsible for emergency response, public safety, and direct care services are expected to keep operating. Their leaders will determine staffing levels and other arrangements needed to keep essential services running.

Residents in affected counties should monitor updates from local emergency management officials and state authorities as the storm’s track and impacts become clearer.

State officials could announce additional changes to office operations as conditions develop.

Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Gov. Kay Ivey orders office closures as Isaias approaches