A powerful storm overnight caused some outages and minor damage in Baldwin County, with Baldwin EMC and Riviera Utilities working to restore power amid broken poles and downed wires.
Here's an update on the aftermath and ongoing efforts to recover. If we missed anyting, email editor@gulfcoastmedia.com.
National Weather Service:
According to meterologists at the National Weather Service in Mobile, the USA Mesonet site located in Fairhope documented a thunderstorm wind gust reaching 73 mph approximately two miles northeast of the city . The recorded data provides insight into the intensity of the storm's impact on the region.
A Wind Advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday for Mobile central, Baldwin central, Mobile coastal and Baldwin coastal counties. West winds are expected to range from 15 to 25 miles per hour, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph.
A High Surf Warning and High Rip Current Risk continue to pose significant hazards along the coastal areas of Alabama and Florida. In Alabama, specifically Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal Counties, dangerously large breaking waves measuring between eight to ten feet persist in the surf zone. The High Surf Warning remains in effect until 7 a.m. Wednesday.
Concurrently, a High Rip Current Risk is in effect through Saturday afternoon.
The associated impacts include the potential for breaking waves to sweep individuals off jetties and docks, leading them into perilous waters. Life-threatening swimming conditions and substantial beach erosion are expected. Furthermore, rip currents, posing a risk even to strong swimmers, have the potential to pull individuals away from the shore into deeper water. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines during this period of heightened coastal risks.
Following last night's and this morning's storms, a period of calmer weather is expected until Friday.
Friday's weather calls for showers, possibly accompanied by a thunderstorm before noon. Wind conditions are expected to be noteworthy, with a southeast wind at 20 to 30 mph, eventually becoming west in the afternoon. Wind gusts could reach as high as 50 mph. The chance of precipitation is estimated at 70%.
Red Cross
The American Red Cross opened a shelter at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 506 North Pine in Foley for anyone needing shelter during the severe weather threatening the area Monday night.
The Red Cross shelter housed four families with a total of 17 individuals and closed at 6:30 a.m. Two American Red Cross staff members were involved in managing the shelter.
Baldwin EMA
The Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) reports no injuries and minimal damage. A situation report, available on the Baldwin County EMA website, provides detailed information on known damages as of 7 a.m.
Severe weather impacted Baldwin County as predicted, with numerous incidents reported, including downed power lines, fallen trees and damaged transformers. EMA continues to assess damage and coordinate with relevant agencies.
Below is a list of the current incidents EMA has been alerted to. To report damages or incidents not on this list, residents are urged to report storm damage at Baldwin County EMA.
Known Damage as of Jan. 9, 7:17 a.m.:
Alabama Power
As of 11:30 a.m., Alabama Power, which services over 6,000 residences in Baldwin County, has crews working to reestablish power to 12 households without power.
Baldwin EMC Restoration Efforts
Highway 90, east of County Road 87, has experienced multiple broken poles causing extensive outages. Baldwin EMC crews are working to repair the damage throughout their service territory, with some crews reportedly working since 9:15 p.m. Monday, accroding to a Facebook post.
Other reports of damaged poles, downed wires and cross arms across their service area resulting in over 2,500 customers without power as of 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9.
Riviera Utilities Restoration Efforts
According to a report from Riviera Utlities at 5:15 a.m., the agency had restored power to over 3,100 customers since 5 p.m. Monday and were facing 275 meters out.
A Facebook post at approximately 8:50 a.m. announced that power had been fully restored.
Baldwin County Schools
Baldwin County Public Schools announced Monday morning all after-school activities were to be canceled for that, including athletics.
Superintendent Eddie Tyler faced some criticism for not closing schools, with numerous social media posts expressing concern for students and faculty.
Some schools, like Pine Grove School and Central Baldwin Middle School, went well into the morning with no power, according to Facebook comments on the post from Tyler. Elberta High School posted on Facebook around 8 a.m. the Warriors' middle and high school campuses had no power or phone lines.
"We understand if your child cannot make it today, and the absence will be excused," the post stated.
Gulf Shores City Schools
Gulf Shores City Schools made a similar decision not to close or delay the school day Tuesday, with comparatively less backlash on social media for the smaller city school system.
Orange Beach City Schools
Orange Beach City Schools opted for a one-hour delay in the start of the school day.
