Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 10 a.m. September 4, 2018

The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for the entire Alabama coast in advance of Tropical Storm Gordon. In line with Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey's declaration of a State of Emergency, the City of Orange Beach enacted a local state of emergency – effective today at 10 a.m. - to ensure that proper resources and potential recovery needs are met.

Fast-moving Tropical Storm Gordon is expected to reach hurricane status and make landfall late Tuesday night between the Louisiana and Mississippi state line. Periods of heavy rain are expected with flash flooding a possibility. Winds gusts will have the potential to reach 58 to 73 mph.

Residents are encouraged to leave low-lying and flood-prone areas, mobile homes, and for all recreational vehicles (RVs) and motor homes on the island. Upon 40 MPH sustained winds, please be aware that bridges will be closed and emergency services may be restricted.

With road safety in mind during the peak of the storm, vehicles are strongly encouraged to stay off the road. If necessary, a curfew will be enforced. Businesses need to prepare and adjust for proper closing times to allow for employees to safely make it home in advance of severe weather impacts.

--Now is the time to look over your hurricane preparedness list and make sure your supplies are well-stocked.
--Fire and police staffing will be increased during the storm.
--Residents and local property owners are encouraged to secure all outside items around their properties, such as patio furniture, umbrellas, awnings, and trash/recycling receptacles.
--Boat owners should take all necessary precautions since a surge of 2 to 4 feet is expected, possibly higher.
--GULF WATERS ARE CLOSED to swimmers beginning today - Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018 - with double red flags flying due to life-threatening rip currents and surf conditions.
--A limited supply of free sand and sand bags is available at the Orange Beach Public Works Department at 4400 William Silvers Parkway (Sportsplex Road), off Canal Road.
--The city and Republic Services encourage residents to move the waste and recycling containers from right-of-way and street areas. These containers can potentially become a hazard for flying debris during wind events so we ask that the containers are moved way from roadway or right-of-way areas and secured under a carport or behind your residence or business until after the storm.
--All non-essential city facilities will close at noon Tuesday. Offices will reopen at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018.
--The City Council meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4 has been rescheduled to Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 5 p.m. at Orange Beach City Hall.
--All Baldwin County Public Schools, including Orange Beach Elementary, will dismiss students at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
--The Expect Excellence and Camp Sunshine programs will close at 1 p.m. today. The programs will receive students following the 11:30 a.m. dismissal. ALL STUDENTS MUST BE PICKED UP BY 1 P.M.
--The Finance Department will stop issuing Hurricane Re-entry Decals at noon today.

For more information, call the Info Line at 251-980-INFO (4636). For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.

For Hurricane Preparedness and Emergency Management information, visit www.orangebeachal.gov.