Life-threatening rip currents due to Hurricane Michael keep Gulf waters closed

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City of Gulf Shores officials want to emphasize the life-threatening risk of entering the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Double red flags continue to fly indicated the waters are closed to swimming and water activity. Hurricane Michael is forecast to intensify to a Category 3 hurricane and make landfall between Destin and Apalachicola on the Florida Panhandle sometime Wednesday afternoon.

Tropical Storm Force Winds ranging from 39 to 74 mph can be expected later this evening and throughout the day Wednesday as local weather conditions deteriorate rapidly.

Coastal flooding can be expected through Wednesday. Motorists are cautioned against driving through any submerged roadways. High water in Little Lagoon is creating flooded roadway conditions at West 4th Ave., West 5th Ave, West 6th Ave and Windmill Ridge Road.

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.

Gulf Shores’ residents and visitors are urged to continue to monitor this situation closely and take necessary precautions. If you are unsure of what steps to take to protect your family and your property, additional information and weather-related resources can be found by visiting www.gulfshoresal.gov/safe.

All City of Gulf Shores facilities and services will follow normal business hours.

Baldwin County Board of Education has announced the closure of all schools and administrative offices on Wednesday, Oct. 10. Schools will reopen on Thursday, Oct. 11.

Jack Edwards National Airport will be closed to air traffic beginning on Wednesday from 12:01 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Baldwin County has opened the Coliseum on Fairground Road in Robertsdale as an emergency shelter for anyone seeking accommodation. All questions related to finding emergency shelter should be directed to the Emergency Management Agency Department at http://baldwincountyal.gov/departments/ema.

The 47th Annual National Shrimp Festival will open at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 12. Questions related to the festival should be addressed to the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber office at 251-968-6904 or by going to www.myshrimpfest.com.

City of Gulf Shores officials encourage all residents to take the following precautions:

- In anticipation of Hurricane Michael’s landfall, secure all outdoor patio furniture and other items which may become projectiles with high velocity winds.

- Republic Services will pick up garbage/recycle as per normal schedule. Please be sure to secure trash containers once emptied.

- Pick up all yard debris and remove it from ditches and culverts, so water will drain freely.

- Contractors should secure all building sites to prevent any debris from blowing and causing injury or damage.

- 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.

- You must know your elevation in order to understand if your location will be impacted by storm surge. Find your elevation online at https://viewer.nationalmap.gov/advanced-viewer/.

- Keep a list of local emergency contact information. Find contact information at www.gulfshoresal.gov/resourcedirectory.

- In the event a hurricane warning is issued for Gulf Shores, Hurricane Re-entry Decals will cease to be issued. Residents are encouraged to visit City Hall and obtain a Hurricane Re-entry Decal. Decals are issued Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Proof of residency or property ownership along with a valid driver’s license is required.

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.