Local State of Emergency issued for Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores, Ala – September 4, 2018 – Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft has issued a local State of Emergency in advance of Tropical Storm Gordon. The declaration follows Alabama Governor Kay Ivey’s earlier issuance of a ‘State of Emergency’ which included Baldwin County. Tropical Storm Gordon is forecast to intensify to a Category I hurricane and make landfall somewhere along the Alabama/Mississippi Gulf Coast at approximately 8 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday evening. A hurricane warning remains in effect for coastal Mobile and Baldwin Counties, which includes the City of Gulf Shores.
Conditions are expected to begin to deteriorate along coastal areas with tropical force wind impacts by midday Tuesday, and minimal hurricane force winds are possible Tuesday night as the storm intensifies and moves over the area.
City officials warn residents who live in flood-prone, low-lying areas and those residing in mobile homes, campgrounds and RV parks should take all necessary precautions in advance of the storm. Forecasts call for an expected 3 to 5 inches of rain, with the potential for localized heavy rain amounts reaching 6 to 10 inches. In addition, 1 to 3 feet of storm surge and higher than normal tide and surf conditions will present a high risk of dangerous rip currents and significant flooding for low-lying areas. Double red flags are currently posted on Gulf Shores’ beaches indicating the water is closed to swimming.
The City of Gulf Shores’ facilities and services will close Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 12 p.m. All City facilities and services will resume operations at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 5. There are no anticipated bridge or road closures at this time.
Safety steps to consider:
- Secure all outside items such as patio furniture, umbrellas, awnings, and trash/recycling receptacles.
- Pick up all yard debris and remove it from ditches and culverts, so water will drain freely.
- Take all necessary precautions to secure boats in anticipation of storm surge.
- Drivers are encouraged to stay off the roads overnight Tuesday. Do not drive through any flooded roadways (“Turn Around, Don’t Drown”).
- A limited amount of free sand for sand bags is available at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex located at 19025 Oak Road West (County Road 6 West). Sand bags and shovels are not provided, but may be purchased at local hardware and home improvement stores.
- Visit www.gulfshoresal.gov/Safe for additional emergency preparedness information.
For additional tips/information and weather-related resources regarding Tropical Storm Gordon, visit www.gulfshoresal.gov/emergencymanagement.
Gulf Shores Emergency Management staff will continue to monitor storm developments and will provide updates as they become available.
For the latest updates and advisories, continue to follow the City of Gulf Shores on Facebook (www.facebook.com/cityofgulfshoresal) and Twitter (@City_GulfShores) and monitor the City’s website at www.gulfshoresal.gov or call the Emergency Information line at 251-968-2425.