Storms bringing the potential of 80 mph wind gusts, quarter-size hail, tornadoes and coastal flooding is now forecasted to blow through earlier than expected on Wednesday, April 10.
According to the National Weather Service Mobile office, Baldwin County is currently in a tornado watch until 5 p.m.
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(1 p.m.) A line of severe storms will continue moving eastward across coastal Alabama and northwest Florida through this afternoon.
These storms will be capable of producing damaging winds, tornadoes (some of which could be strong), hail and heavy rainfall.
(11:30 a.m.) According to the agency’s 9 a.m. update, severe storms with destructive wind gusts up to 80 miles per hour, tornadoes (some of which could be strong EF2+) and quarter size hail are all the main concerns. Windy conditions will develop outside of any thunderstorms today. Sustained winds of 20-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected.
A Flood Watch remains in effect for the entire area through late tonight. Widespread rainfall amounts of 3-5 inches are expected with localized totals of 6-8 inches.
A Gale Warning remains in effect for all bays, sounds and offshore coastal waters for frequent gusts up to 45 kts and seas 7 to 12 feet.
A high risk of deadly rip currents remains in effect for local beaches through late Thursday night.
A High Surf Warning is in effect through Thursday morning for large breaking waves of 7-9 feet.
Minor coastal flooding is expected along coastal portions of Mobile and Baldwin counties.
Beach flags are double red, which means it is illegal to enter Gulf of Mexico waters.
SAFER PLACES OPENING
(10:45 a.m.) St. Paul's Episcopal Church is opening their doors at 2 p.m. as a Safer Place, 506 N. Pine St., Foley.
All individuals should bring everything they will need as this is just a shelter from the storm. Citizens will need to bring all toiletries, bedding, food, water and medicine.
WHAT’S CLOSING
(2 p.m.) Fairhope Brewing Company will be closed today, April 10.
Baldwin County Health Department closed at 1 p.m. today, April 10.
(1:15 p.m.) The Causeway in Mobile is currently closed due to flooding.
(1 p.m.) The City of Gulf Shores will have the following closures today, April 10, beginning at 2 p.m.:
Police, fire, and other emergency services will remain open to ensure public safety and health.
Regular business hours will resume tomorrow, April 11. If you have any questions, please call 251-968-2425.
(11:30 a.m.) All three school districts in Baldwin County are closing early.
Baldwin County Public Schools will dismiss at noon, with buses also departing at that time.
All after-school activities, including practices, games, field trips and After School Child Care, are canceled. However, lunch services will remain available for those in need. Additionally, ACAP testing, originally scheduled for tomorrow, will be rescheduled.
Gulf Shores City School buses will dismiss at noon, and car riders and walkers will dismiss at 12:15 p.m. After-care programs and athletic events are canceled.
Orange Beach Middle/High School will dismiss at noon, and Orange Beach Elementary School will dismiss at 12:15 p.m.
All after-school-related activities are canceled, including Expect Excellence.
Stay tuned here for more updates as they come in. Follow Gulf Coast Media on Facebook for more updates.
If you have a closure you want us to list, email kayla@gulfcoastmedia.com.
