Extreme Storm Surge Warning for Baldwin Coastal Area, Evacuate Immediately

BALDWIN COASTAL AREA – Residents in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan must evacuate immediately due to an Extreme Storm Surge Warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Mobile AL at 4:04 PM CDT on October 8. Life-threatening storm surge flooding of greater than 6 feet above ground is possible from Friday morning until Saturday morning.

This warning is for immediate action. Evacuation efforts should be completed now before driving conditions become unsafe. Failure to evacuate could result in being cut off from emergency services. The NWS forecasts peak storm surge inundation of 4-7 feet above ground in some areas. Extensive damage to buildings, with some washing away, is anticipated.

In addition to storm surge, residents face potential tropical storm force winds of 40-50 mph with gusts up to 90 mph, starting Friday afternoon and lasting until early Saturday morning. This could lead to considerable wind damage and widespread power outages. A Flood Watch is also in effect, with 4-8 inches of rain expected, potentially causing major flooding and prompting evacuations and rescues. The situation is favorable for several tornadoes, some potentially intense. Those in manufactured homes or on boats are urged to relocate to safe shelter.

For evacuation and shelter information, contact Baldwin County EMA at 251-972-6807 or visit www.baldwincountyal.gov/departments/EMA. For storm surge threat graphics and other storm impacts, visit www.weather.gov/mob. This warning expires October 9, 2026, at 12:15 AM UTC.