Red Cross Members Prepare Relief Aid For Hurricane Ida. — Red Cross organizes relief effort. Photo via Red Cross Alabama.

As Hurricane Ida moves out of our area, those on the Gulf Coast are left with the same safety questions we always have after a hurricane: Who has power? Who has gas? Which roads are closed? Is there anyone who needs help?

Follow along as we do our best to answer all of your post-hurricane questions and concerns.

Current Weather Situation

Ida Storm Surge — Graphics from the National Weather Service showing the storm surge prediction and Ida’s pathway now that she’s made landfall. Photos via the National Weather Service.

Ida Cone After Landfall — Graphics from the National Weather Service showing the storm surge prediction and Ida’s pathway now that she’s made landfall. Photos via the National Weather Service.

At the time of writing, 12:45 p.m., Monday, August 30, the following weather alerts are still active in coastal Alabama. We’ve also included their expiration dates in CDT. For tips on dealing with severe weather conditions, check out this article from yesterday.

Hurricane Local Statement across Southwest Alabama: will be updated at 5 p.m. tonight unless conditions change

Tropical Storm Warning

Tornado Watch: until 4:00 p.m. today

Flash Flood Watch: until tomorrow, August 31st, at noon.

Flash Flood Warning: until 4:30 p.m. today

Flood Warning: through Friday as storm conditions wind down.

Storm Surge Warning

Mobile & Coastal Alabama Conditions

Hurricane Ida Satellite Photo From Nws. — Satellite photo of Hurricane Ida. Photo via NWS.

August 28th, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a State of Emergency regarding Hurricane Ida. Among items like authorizing the National Guard in case of extreme circumstance, a State of Emergency also prohibits price gouging during emergency situations.

We sat down with the Spokesperson of AAA Alabama, Clay Ingram, to get answers to our questions regarding Hurricane Ida and safety conditions on the roads.

Can you explain what the State of emergency means in regard to gas prices & road safety?

Ingram: “The price gouging law comes into effect during a state of emergency. And what that means is that you can’t charge more than 25% more for any item or service than its cost in the past 6 months. We don’t typically have much of a problem with it, but occasionally we do.”

When is it safe to leave my house or evacuation area?

Ingram: “The best advice is not to go into affected areas if you don’t have to because there’s still a lot of damage. There’s still power lines down, there’s still trees and structures blocking roadways, and any extra traffic through there makes the problem worse for everybody. If you don’t absolutely need to go through these areas, don’t.”

Are gas prices going to spike? How bad will it be?

Ingram: “Make sure you download the AAA Mobile App, it can help you find the cheapest gas prices. It’s one of our free public service programs, so it doesn’t cost a thing, you don’t have to be a member. It’s just a quick and easy way to save some money while you’re buying gas. It’s early to tell, but I don’t expect prices to go up very much across Alabama–maybe 5, 10 cents a gallon.”