While Hurricane Francine is expected to pass to the west of Foley and the Mobile Bay region, city officials are preparing for possible impacts from the storm as Baldwin County is under a tropical storm warning through Thursday.
Francine is predicted to come ashore in central Louisiana on Wednesday. The storm is forecast to have winds of about 90 miles an hour by the time it makes landfall. The coastal area of the county is also under a storm surge watch and high surf warning.
Foley city offices that provide non-essential services will close at 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Agencies providing emergency services, such as police and fire, will remain open.
Residents and other property owners are advised to continue to monitor the storm and be prepared to act if Francine’s path changes. Before conditions deteriorate, residents should also secure loose materials outside that could be picked up by strong winds.
In Foley, residential garbage collection is scheduled to continue if the Baldwin County Magnolia Landfill is open.
Residents needing a safe location during the storm can go to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday. The “Safer Place” location will provide a place for people to go but is not a shelter. Anyone coming to the site must bring all toiletries, bedding, food, water and medication.
The church is at 506 N. Pine St. in Foley.
Commercial garbage will be collected Wednesday. The Public Works Department will monitor conditions and determine if collections will take place Thursday.
Sand, bags and shovels will be available at the Foley Public Works Department from daylight until 6 p.m. for any residents who want to fill sandbags to protect their property.
