City of Gulf Shores officials want to emphasize the life-threatening risk of entering the waters of the Gulf of Mexico due to the presence of dangerous rip currents caused by Hurricane Michael. Anyone voluntarily entering the water is subject to arrest when double red flags are posted. Rough conditions at the beach with 10 to 15 feet of surf will batter beaches throughout today and diminish tonight through Thursday. Even with reduced surf, rip current risks will remain extremely dangerous throughout the end of the week. Residents and visitors should monitor the surf flag warning system closely. For current surf conditions, visit www.gulfshoresal.gov or call 251-968-TIDE.
Motorists are cautioned to avoid driving through flooded roadways. Numerous roads have standing water including Highway 59 near Bayou Village Bridge, West 4th Ave., West 5th Ave, West 6th Ave and Windmill Ridge Road.
Gulf Shores’ residents and visitors are urged to continue to monitor this severe weather 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.
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.
Shrimp Festival Update
The 47th Annual National Shrimp Festival will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 12. The following road closures and detours will take effect on Thursday, Oct. 11:
Traffic Closures/Detours:
- Traffic will be closed to the public spanning from West 3rd Street to Highway 59 in front of Gulf Place Public Beach.
- All westbound traffic traveling on Highway 59 will need to turn right on West 1st Avenue or West 2nd Avenue.
- West Beach traffic should consider using Windmill Ridge Road as an alternate route.
- West 1st Street and West 2nd Street will be closed to the public.
- Eastbound traffic toward Orange Beach should consider using alternate route(s) Highway 180 East (Canal Road) or State Road 135 through the Gulf State Park; however, Highway 59 and East Beach Boulevard will remain open.
Pedestrian Walkways:
- Pedestrians walking south on Highway 59 will only be allowed to cross Beach Boulevard at the designated crosswalk on East 1st Street.
Shuttles:
North
- Erie Meyer Civic Center, North Lot, W. 2nd St. / W. 19th Ave.
- Pelican Place Shopping Center, 3800 GS Parkway, West Lot
West
- Pier 33, Hwy. 182 West
- Sea Oats, Hwy. 182 West
- Waves Grocery & Package Store, W. Beach Blvd / W. 11th St.
East
- Gulf State Park Campground
- Rouses Supermarket - Orange Beach
- Flora-Bama Lounge
The Wharf
- The Wharf, Canal Rd., Orange Beach, AL
Drop-off Location for Shuttles:
- The drop-off location for the East Shuttle will be the corner of Highway 59 and Beach Boulevard.
- The drop-off location for the North/West Shuttle will be at the corner of West 2nd Street and Beach Boulevard.
Public Beaches:
- All public beaches will remain open throughout the festival.
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.
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.
