MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is declaring a state of emergency as Tropical Storm Isaias, which is expected to grow into a major hurricane, moves toward the Gulf Coast.

The governor’s state of emergency declaration covers 40 counties.

Those counties include:

Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Chambers, Chilton, Clarke, Choctaw, Coffee, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Dallas, Elmore, Escambia, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Washington and Wilcox.

“At this moment, forecasts continue to show the real likelihood that the tropical system brewing in the Gulf could impact Alabama as a hurricane as early as Friday,” the governor said. “While we continue to monitor forecasts, we have to prepare now. That is why I have issued a state of emergency for 40 counties. This will allow us to take any needed steps ahead of landfall. As we approach the weekend and any travel plans, make sure you have reliable information as conditions develop. While I hope for minimal impacts, we must take preparations seriously.”

The state of emergency went into effect Wednesday at 4 p.m. and remains in effect for seven days, the governor’s office said, “unless a different expiration time is prescribed by proclamation.”

The governor’s declaration allows for preparation of the Alabama National Guard’s activation to respond to the severe weather situation.

It also activates the Alabama Unconscionable Pricing Act to fight price gouging during a declared state of emergency.

There are also provisions that detail waivers of federal motor-carrier regulations during the emergency.

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