City of Gulf Shores Under Hurricane Warning, State of Emergency Declared
Gulf Shores, Ala. – In a Special City Council Meeting this morning, Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft and members of the City Council declared a State of Emergency for the City of Gulf Shores due to Tropical Storm Sally.
As of the 6 a.m., Monday, September 14, advisory issued by the National Weather Service, a Hurricane Warning, Storm Surge Warning and Flash Flood Watch are now in effect for the Coastal Baldwin County area, which includes the City Gulf Shores and the Fort Morgan Peninsula.
A Dangerous and potentially historic rainfall and flooding event is becoming likely for our area. Significant rainfall totals in the amounts of 8 to 16 inches with localized amounts of 25 inches are possible, and tropical-storm-force gusts (40-50 mph) are anticipated throughout the storm’s duration. In addition, surf height of up to 15 feet and a storm surge inundation of 4 to 6 feet is expected and subject to increase if there is a further eastward shift in Tropical Storm Sally’s track. The combination of severe weather and the projected high tide creates an extremely dangerous situation. All residents and visitors should continue to stay weather alert.
These conditions will present a high risk of deadly rip currents and coastal flooding for low-lying areas. Residents living along the Fort Morgan Peninsula, Plash Island, other low-lying areas, and those residing in mobile homes, campgrounds and RV parks should take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.
These areas include, but are not limited to, the following:
·Windmill Ridge Road
·Hwy 182
·Creekview Drive
·West 3rd Ave
·West 4th Ave
·West 5th Ave
·West 6th Ave
·West 8th Ave
·West 12th Ave
·Sunset Drive
·Hwy 59 – between Waterville and Bayou Village Bridge
·Sunrise Drive
·Minnow Lane
·West Lagoon Ave
·Sunset Drive
·Brigadoon Trail
·Lagoon Winds Drive
Some roadways are expected to become impassable due to standing water. In case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1. Do not walk, swim or drive through flood and standing waters. Remember, “Turn around, don’t drown!”
Storm preparations should begin immediately. Please take the following precautions and to continue to monitor this situation very closely:
·Pick Up Yard Debris – All yard debris should be picked up in advance of a storm, including cleaning draining ditches. Do not place any debris by roadways. If you see a drainage problem you need assistance with, please contact our Public Works Department at (251) 968-1156
·Secure Outdoor Furniture – All patio and outdoor furniture should be secured in advance of a storm.
·Know Your Elevation – You must know your elevation in order to understand if your location will be impacted by storm surge. Find your elevation online at https://www.baldwincountyal.gov/Government/a-to-z-guide/f/flood-zone-maps
·Gather Information – Keep a list of local emergency contact information. Find contact information at https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/556/Emergency-Management.
·Plan and Take Action – Be sure to have a safety plan in place for you and your family. This includes planning for essential medications, contact information, food, water and pets.
For the latest updates and advisories, continue to follow local media and the National Weather Service Mobile at https://www.weather.gov/MOB for continued updates.
For Gulf Shores City Schools related notices, please visithttps://www.gsboe.org/.
The City of Gulf Shores will continue to share updates through our City’s website and our social media channels. To receive updates via email or text message, please visit www.gulfshoresal.gov and click on “Notify Me.”