Mandatory evacuation order issued by Gov. Ivey for all visitors

From combined reports • October 6, 2020

Orange Beach and Gulf Shores updates on Hurricane Delta are below

Logo for Hurricane Delta update from Orange Beach, Alabama.
(OBA®) – In preparation of potential impacts from Hurricane Delta, the Orange Beach City Council declared a local state of emergency during its 5 p.m. meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

The local declaration follows Gov. Kay Ivey’s emergency proclamation and her supplemental declaration of a mandatory evacuation for tourists and vacationers along the Alabama Gulf Coast effective at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7. This mandatory evacuation includes all locations south of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, including Orange Beach, Ono Island, Gulf Shores, and the Fort Morgan peninsula. This evacuation order does not apply to contractors or individuals working on Hurricane Sally recovery.

Hurricane Delta continues to strengthen in the Caribbean and is a major hurricane. It is expected to move into the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday after crossing the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico as a Category 4 storm.

The City of Orange Beach continues to monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center and our local National Weather Service bureau in Mobile. The current forecast has Hurricane Delta making landfall in Louisiana late Friday. Delta is forecast to turn north and northeast prior to landfall, but exactly when the turn occurs will determine the extent of local impacts.

Even if Delta makes landfall well to our west, the local area will still see a threat of storm surge, dangerous surf/rip currents, heavy rain, low-area flooding, isolated tornadoes, and strong winds.
For residents, now is the time to prepare.

  • For those who live in low-lying areas, begin to make plans to leave, if necessary.
  • If you have a boat or vessel, secure it and or move it to higher ground.
  • Replenish your hurricane supplies.
  • Residents and local property owners are encouraged to secure all outside items and initiate protective measures, such as window coverings, etc.
  • The city debris contractor is continuing to pick up storm debris from Hurricane Sally as quickly as possible, especially in low-lying areas.
  • Sand and sand bags are available behind City Hall at 4099 Orange Beach Blvd. and at the gate at the Public Works yard on William Silvers Parkway, going toward the Orange Beach Sportsplex.
  • Remember the first 72 hours are on you. After an emergency or disaster strikes, support and resources may not be available right away. Every home needs an emergency kit with a three-day (72 hours) supply of food, water, flashlight and other basic needs.  

Residents and visitors are encouraged to follow the National Weather Service Mobile bureau’s website at www.weather.gov/mob or on social media and local news outlets for the most current storm information. Additional city information can be found at www.orangebeachal.gov.
For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.

Gulf Shores Hurricane Delta update #3

New Gov. Kay Ivey has declared a state of emergency in advance of Hurricane Delta’s arrival along the Gulf Coast and has issued a mandatory evacuation for tourists and vacationers along the Alabama Gulf Coast effective at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7.


This mandatory evacuation includes:


  • Covered Areas – All locations south of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway including Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Ono Island and Dauphin Island.
  • Covered Persons – The evacuation order applies to any person in the areas listed who does not possess a hurricane pass or decal issued by a municipal government located in the covered areas. Hurricane passes or decals include those issued to residents, contractors, property management companies or other businesses.
  • 

In addition to this order, Mayor Robert Craft recommends all residents living in low-lying areas pay close attention to the track of this storm as possible changes could occur with little notice.


For the latest updates and advisories, continue to follow local media and the National Weather Service Mobile at www.weather.gov/mobile. The City of Gulf Shores will continue to share updates through the City’s website and social media channels. To receive updates via email or text message, please visit www.gulfshoresal.gov and click on “Notify Me.”

Gulf Shores Hurricane Delta update #2

The City of Gulf shores has declared a local state of emergency following Gov. Kay Ivey's declaration due to Hurricane Delta's imminent threat to the local area.


Hurricane Delta continues to strengthen rapidly and is now a Category 4 hurricane. While some weakening is possible before landfall, a significant and dangerous hurricane is expected to impact the northern Gulf Coast and local-surrounding areas as early as Friday morning.


It is important to note that even if the storm makes landfall well to the west, the Gulf Shores area will still see a threat of storm surge, dangerous surf/rip currents, heavy rain, isolated tornadoes, and the potential for tropical-storm-force winds.


DEBRIS

Residents are asked to STOP bringing any additional debris to the roadside in order to protect personal property and surrounding property. Concentrated piles of debris present a higher risk of being picked up by heavy winds.


Any hazardous materials that are currently placed at the road should be brought back inside to garages or other storage areas. City crews will not pick them up in preparation for Hurricane Delta.


City crews are working extra hours this week to collect as much storm debris as possible in anticipation of potential impacts from Hurricane Delta. If possible, residents are asked to clean out the culverts and ditches located at the base of driveways as much as possible to allow water to flow through.


SHELTERS

Residents living in low-lying areas that experienced flooding during Hurricane Sally, or those with homes that are currently compromised, should make plans to seek shelter or evacuate from this storm. Due to the lack of shelters available in Baldwin County and the current COVID-19 regulations in place, residents should be prepared to plan far enough ahead to find a safe location. Do not rely on the shelter of last resort.


SAND

Sand is still available for residents at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex, located at 19025 Oak Road West. Sandbags and shovels will not be provided but can be purchased at local hardware and home improvement stores.


HURRICANE RE-ENTRY PASSES

 Residents are asked to make sure they have a current Hurricane Re-entry Pass. If an evacuation is ordered, a pass will be required to enter restricted areas. Per City of Gulf Shores Resolution 5642-16, once a Hurricane Warning has been issued for the Gulf Shores area, re-entry/beach parking passes are no longer distributed to any residents, businesses or other entities. Passes are available for pickup at both City Hall and the Gulf Shores City Store during regular business hours.


BOATS & WATER VESSELS

All boats and water vessels should be removed from the water to prevent possible damage or loss of vessel. The boat launches at Mo’s Landing and the Canal Park are now open for vessel removal only.

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