Full Notification

The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for the entire Alabama coast in advance of Hurricane Sally. In line with Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey's declaration of a State of Emergency, the Orange Beach City Council enacted a local state of emergency – effective on Monday, September 14, 2020 - to ensure that proper resources and potential recovery needs are met.

Additionally, Gov. Ivey on Monday issued a supplemental State of Emergency closing all beaches at 3 p.m. Monday, and is recommending an evacuation, especially for non-residents, for those living in flood-prone areas south of I-10, effective at 3 p.m. Monday. (This is not a mandatory evacuation at this time.)

A significant and potentially historic flood event is becoming likely. It will also be a prolonged event given the slow movement of Sally.

The city continues to monitor updates from the National Weather Service. Hurricane Sally is expected to produce heavy rains, tropical storm force winds, and high surf along the Alabama Gulf Coast. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Baldwin County.

The storm is moving west northwest and landfall is expected in coastal Mississippi late Tuesday.

-->Non-essential city offices will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

-->Residential trash pickup will not run on Tuesday and recycling will not be picked up Wednesday. Trash pickup will resume on Friday. Recycling will be picked up on the next regularly scheduled pickup time on September 30th. Additionally, residents are asked to not put out vegetation for pickup until Friday due to high winds. All ditches need to remain clear.

-->GULF WATERS ARE CLOSED with double red flags flying due to life-threatening rip currents and surf conditions. Extremely dangerous conditions in the Gulf are expected to persist for a few days. The beaches will be CLOSED due to high surf and storm surge until further notice. Swimming is strictly prohibited. For a detailed beach report, call 251-981-SURF (7873).

-->A significant risk for flash flooding exists in our area through Thursday with potential rain totals of 15 to 20 inches with locally higher amounts. Those living in low lying areas prone to flooding need to seek higher ground.

-->Please stay off the road, if at all possible. As of Monday afternoon, there is water over the road in our usual low-lying areas on Regatta Lane, Alabama Street, Palmetto Drive Ext, North Bayshore Drive, Pensacola Avenue, Jubilee Point Road, Marina Road at Boggy Point, and Gulf Bay Road. Flooding will worsen Tuesday.

-->Coastal flooding is likely with a 4- to 7-foot storm surge expected. Know the elevation of your property; find a floodplain map showing what properties can possibly be affected by a 6-foot storm surge at https://orangebeach.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=49a641b867564d9bb4bcdd871ead85c0. This map will also be updated to show road closures during the storm.

-->With the expected storm surge, boat owners should take all necessary precautions.

-->Wave heights can potentially reach 10 to 15 feet.

-->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.

-->Sand and sand bags are available at the gate at the Public Works yard on William Silvers Parkway, going toward the Orange Beach Sportsplex. Sand and bags are also available behind City Hall. Once rains arrive the sand is self-serve on site.

-->The Planning Commission Work Session and Regular meetings set for Monday, Sept. 14 have been rescheduled for Monday, Sept. 21.

-->The City Council Regular and Committee of the Whole meetings set for Sept. 15 have been canceled.

-->Hurricane re-entry decals will be issued until 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14 at the Finance Department.

-->Baldwin County Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to check the National Weather Service for the most current weather information at www.weather.gov/mob. Additional city information can be found at www.orangebeachal.gov.

For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.

For additional city information, call the Info Line at 251-980-INFO (4636).