Gulf Shores, Beach — Beach at Gulf Shores (The Bama Buzz)

Alabama’s Beaches are officially back open for business following a mandatory visitors evacuation last week ahead of Hurricane Isaias’ landfall.

A state of emergency was declared last week before the storm arrived and all tourists + visitors were asked to evacuate the area to make things easier on first responders and power crews.

Crews are still working across the area but with the severe weather past, visitors are once again welcomed to the state’s beaches.

“We first want to send out thoughts and prayers to all our neighbors to the east in Florida and everyone in Alabama affected by the storm. We know that their impacts are significant and want to let them know that we are here to help in any way we can… We have been in constant communication with both cities and the county emergency management agency, and we are very thankful to tell our guests that our beach communities experienced little impact from Hurricane Isaias, and we stand ready to welcome them to our 32 miles of white sand beaches.”
Beth Gendler, President & CEO, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

Alabama beaches reopening for tourists after Hurricane Isaias

Alabama’s coast line was bracing for a potential direct hit from the storm late Friday night along with a possibly large storm surge. The hurricane shifted slightly to the east of Mobile Bay before making landfall.

Some areas are still dealing with power outages and wind damage from the storm but Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism officials say there was limited damage along the state’s coast.

All bridges to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan are open. Crews are still working on cleanup and power restoration, so drive with caution and treat any intersection with a dark or flashing signal as a four-way stop.

The Gulf Shores International Airport reported no damage and is fully operational.

“For there to be such little damage and many of our businesses already back open the day after this storm, we are thankful, just very thankful with the outcome for our city and the entire destination. Evacuation orders have been lifted, bridges are open, and we are proud to welcome folks back to our Small Town, Big Beach.”
Robert Craft, Gulf Shores mayor

How you can help victims of Hurricane Isaias

While Alabama’s coast may have been fortunate enough to not get extreme damage, there are still communities along the coast and into the Florida panhandle that need help.

The American Red Cross is now focused on damage assessment and distribution of meals + relief supplies to the impacted areas. Here’s how they say you can help:

“You can help people affected by disasters like storms, floods and countless other crises by making a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief.You can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small, whenever and wherever they occur across the country.

“Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) Through the generosity of our Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) and Disaster Responder Program Members, the Red Cross is prepared before disaster strikes. These members help secure a reliable funding base for disaster relief services that enables us to respond immediately, meeting the needs of individuals and families affected by disaster, regardless of cost. Right now, the Red Cross is on the ground and taking action with the support of our valuable members.”