From Baldwin County Superintendent Eddie Tyler:
Good afternoon – I am closely monitoring the weather situation. I ask that you do the same. My staff and I participated in a conference call with Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) this morning. Michael currently is a hurricane and meteorologists say further strengthening is likely before landfall. While the current forecast track has landfall to our east, as you know, tropical weather is never certain. At this point, there is a possibility that we would have tropical force wind in our county on Wednesday. This e-mail is to make you aware of this potential. There is a POSSIBILITY that we will have to cancel school Wednesday but this is not certain at this time. We have another EMA call tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. We will know more then. We will let you know our plans as quickly as possible after that call. I realize how disruptive it is to cancel school. However, we’ll always do what’s in the best interest of student and employee safety. As I know more, I will be back in touch. Stay weather alert. Have a good afternoon.
From the City of Gulf Shores:
City of Gulf Shores officials continue to monitor Hurricane Michael’s track which has taken a slight westward shift. The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for the Western Florida panhandle and a tropical storm warning and hurricane watch for coastal Alabama. This includes the city of Gulf Shores and surrounding areas.
Hurricane Michael continues to intensify and is forecast to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing potentially catastrophic hurricane force winds and potential life-threatening storm surge. Current forecast models indicate landfall occurring somewhere along the Florida panhandle. Gulf Shores’ residents and visitors are urged to continue to monitor this situation closely and be sure to take necessary precautions as local weather conditions may deteriorate rapidly late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.
The city of Gulf Shores has posted double red flags at the beach indicating the waters are closed. Life-threatening rip currents and high surf conditions have created an unsafe environment for swimming and water activities.
Local impacts are expected to worsen if the track of Hurricane Michael shifts further west. 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.
City of Gulf Shores officials encourage all residents to take the following precautions:
- In anticipation of Hurricane Michael’s arrival, 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.
Questions related to the 47th Annual National Shrimp Festival should be addressed to the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber office at 251-968-6904 or by going to www.myshrimpfest.com. The City of Gulf Shores 2018 National Night Out that was originally scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 9 has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 14.
For additional tips/information and weather-related resources regarding Hurricane Michael, visit www.gulfshoresal.gov/safe.
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.
