URGENT: Extreme Storm Surge Warning for Baldwin Coastal Area

BALDWIN COASTAL AREA – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Mobile, AL has issued an Extreme Storm Surge Warning for the Baldwin Coastal area, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, effective immediately as of October 8 at 4:14 AM CDT.

Residents are advised to complete all remaining efforts to protect life and property urgently. A life-threatening storm surge of 4-7 feet above ground is possible between Friday morning and Saturday morning, with potential for flooding greater than 6 feet above ground. If evacuation orders are given for your area, leave immediately to avoid being cut off from emergency services.

Life-threatening winds of equivalent Cat 1 or 2 hurricane force are anticipated from Friday afternoon until early Saturday morning, with peak gusts up to 90 mph. Considerable wind damage is expected. Move to safe shelter before winds become hazardous. Extensive impacts include considerable roof damage, mobile home destruction, widespread power outages, and impassable roads.

A Flood Watch is in effect, with 3-6 inches of rain expected, leading to potential major flooding. Heed all flood watches and warnings. The NWS also warns of several possible tornadoes, some potentially intense. Those in manufactured homes or on boats should relocate to safe shelter. Listen for tornado watches and warnings, and be ready to shelter quickly if a warning is issued.

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 8, 2026 at 12:15 PM UTC.