Here is a forecast and list of closures and other changes Gulf Coast Media has received confirmation for due to Tropical Storm Francine, which is expected to become a hurricane today, Tuesday, Sept. 10, before making landfall along the northwest Gulf Coast Wednesday afternoon.
Baldwin County is under a tropical storm watch, and the coastal areas along the Gulf and Mobile Bay are also under a storm surge watch until further notice. A rip current statement is also in effect.
Though the track of the storm is forecast to make landfall in Louisiana, local impacts are expected, according to the National Weather Service.
“A high risk of rip currents is expected Tuesday night through Friday night. Surf is also expected to build to 5 to 7 feet, with a few breakers over 8 feet possible Wednesday through Thursday night,” the weather agency wrote in its most recent update. “Minor to moderate beach erosion is possible. Minor coastal flooding may impact the Alabama coast, including Mobile Bay Wednesday night into Thursday morning. 1 to 3 feet of inundation will be possible. Confidence continues to increase on the potential for tornadoes across our area, especially near the coast Wednesday night through Thursday. Heavy rainfall and flooding concerns increase Wednesday and Wednesday night, with the greatest potential for flooding over southeast Mississippi and southern portions of southwest Alabama and the western Florida panhandle. We will also be monitoring for the potential for tropical storm force winds across portions of southeast Mississippi and southwest Alabama late Wednesday into Thursday morning. Any eastward shift in the track of Francine would result in more impacts.”
SHELTERS AND SAFER PLACES
St. Paul's Episcopal Church will be opening their doors at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, as a "Safer Place."
Location: 506 N. Pine St., Foley, AL 36535
Make sure all citizens bring everything they will need as this is just a "Safer Place" from the storm. This is not a shelter. Citizens will need to bring all toiletries, bedding, food, water and medicine.
Sand is available: Baldwin County Central Annex (22251 Palmer St., Robertsdale, AL 36567). This is "self-serve." Bring your own bags and tools if you need sand.
CLOSURES AND CHANGES
To add a closure to this list, email editor@gulfcoastmedia.com.
This article will be updated throughout the day.
