By Alabama Public Radio
Gulf Shores, AL – Governor Bob Riley ordered a mandatory evacuation of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan today. The coastal Baldwin County cities were ordered cleared at 7 AM.
The state Emergency Management Agency also has decided that no emergency shelters will open in Baldwin County and is encouraging residents to leave.
Governor Riley also has declared a state of emergency. That means the state's price gouging law has taken effect.
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for coastal Alabama and also for Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston counties in southeast Alabama.