City of Gulf Shores to Close All Facilities at 2 p.m. Today in Preparation for Hurricane Zeta
Gulf Shores, Ala. –Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Gulf Shores plans to shut down all City managed facilities and departments today, October 28, at 2 p.m. in preparation for Hurricane Zeta. Police, Fire, and other essential services will continue to operate to ensure public safety and health.
Our local area remains under a Tropical Storm Warning, Storm Surge Warning and High Rip Current and High Surf Warning. Residents should prepare for DAMAGING WINDS and the potential for downed trees and power outages. In addition, there is also the threat of 4 to 6 feet of storm surge and high surf of 10 to 15 feet. This combination, along with a weakened dune system and erosion caused by Hurricane Sally, puts properties at risk of coastal flooding.
City of Gulf Shores officials are still calling for the voluntary evacuation of all visitors and tourists and encourages residents living in low-lying areas, including West Beach, Little Lagoon, Plash Island, Fort Morgan Peninsula, RV/Mobile Homes, and any other rising-water, flood-prone areas, to also evacuate or seek higher ground. Those in need of a place to park their vehicle overnight to avoid flooding can take them to the Gulf Shores Sportsplex, 19025 Oak Road West, and park them in the west (visitor's side) lot.
HURRICANE RE-ENTRY PASSES
Hurricane Re-entry Passes are available at both City Hall and the Gulf Shores City Store today until 2 p.m. In the case that check points are put in place, a hurricane re-entry pass will be required.
SHELTERS
The Baldwin County Commission and the Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency will activate the shelter of last resort at the Baldwin County Coliseum, 19477 Fairground Rd., Robertsdale, Ala. The Coliseum will open today, October 28, at 1 p.m. and will remain open until 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2020.
TRAVEL ADVISORY
The Baldwin County Commission, with the concurrence of Baldwin County Sheriff Huey Hoss Mack, has also issued a travel advisory to all residents and visitors countywide. The travel advisory will be effective from today at 8 p.m., until Thursday, October 29, at 5 a.m.
SAND
Sand is still available for residents at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex, located at 19025 Oak Road West. Sandbags and shovels will not be provided but can be purchased at local hardware and home improvement stores.
DEBRIS
Residents are asked to STOP bringing any additional debris to the roadside in order to protect personal property and surrounding property. Concentrated piles of debris present a higher risk of being picked up by heavy winds. City crews are working extra hours this week to clean out ditches collect as much storm debris as possible in anticipation of potential impacts from Zeta. If possible, residents are asked to clean out the culverts and ditches located at the base of driveways as much as possible to allow water to flow through.
STORM PREPARATIONS
Residents should continue making all necessary storm preparations. See the following storm preparedness tips.
- Stay Weather Alert - Pay extra attention to local weather reports until the storm has moved through the area. Be sure to keep your weather radio on and your cell phone charged to ensure you can receive weather alerts.
- Know Your Elevation – You must know your elevation to understand if your location will be impacted by storm surge. Find your elevation online at https://viewer.nationalmap.gov/advanced-viewer/.
- Gather Information – Keep a list of local emergency contact information. Find contact information at www.gulfshoresal.gov/resourcedirectory.
- 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.
- The First 72 Are On You - Shelters are not available during the first 72 hours after a storm passes, and residents should plan accordingly. Prepare by creating disaster kits that contain enough food, water and essential supplies that will last seven days after the storm arrives. Individuals should consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time.
- Fuel Up – Go ahead and fuel all vehicles and generators in the event that fuel is not available after the storm.
- Prepare for High Winds – Bring loose, lightweight objects (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans, and bicycles) inside; anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., gas grills and propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on buildings.
- Turn Around, Don't Drown – In the event of a roadway covered by water, do not attempt to drive over the flooded road.
- The water depth may be misleading, and you could end up stranded or trapped.
- Evacuate When Necessary – If an evacuation notice is issued, leave. Research possible evacuation routes and make arrangements before the storm, so you have somewhere to go.
For the latest updates and advisories, continue to follow local media and the National Weather Service Mobile at www.weather.gov/mobile for continued weather updates. The City of Gulf Shores will continue to share updates through the City's website and social media channels. To receive updates via email or text message, please visit www.gulfshoresal.gov and click on "Notify Me."