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Gov. Ivey cancels Gulf Coast evacuation as projections show Hurricane Delta unlikely to hit Alabama

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday rescinded her executive order requiring all non-residents to leave the state’s coastal areas as updated projections indicate Hurricane Delta is unlikely to bring more than rain to the Yellowhammer State.

On Tuesday, the governor had ordered an evacuation of all tourists and visitors in the Gulf area when it appeared Delta would be making landfall farther east on the Gulf Coast.

Ivey explained that after looking over the available information, it has “become evident and remained fairly consistent in that Southwest Louisiana looks to be in the direct path of this storm.”

The National Hurricane center currently expects only one to three feet of storm surge in Mobile Bay from the hurricane.

“Louisiana is still recovering from Hurricane Laura, and they certainly remain in our thoughts as they brace for yet another impactful hurricane,” added Ivey.

The governor’s office said in a release that the decision to cancel the evacuation order was made after discussions “with coastal mayors and county commissioners of Mobile and Baldwin counties” who agreed it was the right thing to do.

(National Hurricane Center/Twitter)

The State of Emergency proclaimed by Ivey on Tuesday remains in effect until after the storm has passed.

“I remind folks in Alabama to continue monitoring the hurricane for any potential storm surge and heavy rain. Stay safe, everyone,” the governor concluded on Thursday.

Ivey’s third supplemental State of Emergency proclamation can be read here.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95

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