Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has issued a supplemental state of emergency that closes Alabama beaches and urges evacuation of flood-prone areas south of Interstate 10.

Earlier today, Ivey issued a state of emergency that enacted the Alabama Emergency Operations Plan and activated the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. Following that proclamation, Tropical Storm Sally became Hurricane Sally, prompting the governor to take additional safety steps for the state.

“As the recently upgraded Hurricane Sally continues heading closer to the Gulf Coast, we must give individuals time to prepare for the anticipated impacts of this storm,” Ivey said. “Through a supplemental state of emergency declaration, I am closing all Alabama beaches effective today at 3 p.m. and recommending an evacuation, especially of nonresidents, and those living in flood-prone areas south of I-10.”

Although Sally doesn’t appear to threaten the state directly with hurricane-force winds, Ivey said the storm surge and heavy rains could be destructive enough.

“Alabamians are no stranger to tropical weather and the significant damage these storms can do, even though our state is not currently in the direct line of impact,” she said. “Locals will need to prepare their homes, businesses and personal property for imminent storm surge, heavy rain and flash flooding.”

The governor stopped short of ordering an evacuation of coastal areas.

“I am staying engaged with our emergency response team at the state level as well as our local officials in Mobile and Baldwin counties, and we will be providing assistance wherever needed,” Ivey said. “I ask everyone to use their best judgment and practice personal responsibility to ensure safety of themselves, their families and our first responders. Stay weather aware!”

Hurricane Sally is currently a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of about 90 mph. Continued strengthening is expected before a landfall most likely sometime overnight Tuesday near Biloxi.