From Straight Arrow · · 3m
Hurricane Isaias Prepares Alabama Coast
Hurricane Isaias threatens Alabama coast as residents prepare for landfall.
In brief
Hurricane Isaias threatens Alabama coast as residents prepare for landfall. Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast Friday evening with winds up to 120 mph, causing evacuations and closures in Alabama beach towns. Originally reported by Straight Arrow.
Children Play in Creek
Children in Daphne, Alabama spent their day off school Friday playing in a creek as the first rain bands of Hurricane Isaias moved over Baldwin County.
Gulf Shores Vibe Shifts
In Gulf Shores, two Waffle Houses sat with lights on and no one inside, double red flag signs were posted on empty beaches, and high-rise resorts faded into a gray haze.
Isaias Landfall Forecast
Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast Friday evening with winds as high as 120 mph, threatening Pensacola, Florida, and Alabama beach towns.
Business as Usual North
At 10:15 a.m. in Spanish Fort, roads were busy with rain falling lightly and wind yet to pick up, as Waffle Houses served and utility trucks sat at gas stations.
Fairhope Shops Prepare
In Fairhope, Wawa and Publix parking lots were full, a man took down a hanging shop sign, and Fairhope Pharmacy had windows blown out by Hurricane Frederick in 1979.
Newcomers' Concerns
Longtime locals aren’t as worried as newer residents, who fill bathtubs in case water goes out and pack ice into washing machines after Hurricane Sally six years ago.
Fairhope Pier Activity
A few people strolled through light rain on the Fairhope Pier, where the chop carried the smell of the bay and pelicans and seagulls hunted for one last meal.
Worry South of Fairhope
South of Fairhope, a manufactured home had plywood over windows, and tattered American and Confederate flags flapped from a pole.
Foley Preparations
In Foley, plywood, sheet metal, and beige fabric storm panels covered homes, with cars still in driveways as owners planned to ride out the storm.
Gulf Shores Deserted
After crossing the W.C. Holmes Memorial Bridge, Gulf Shores became deserted with high-rise resorts disappearing in clouds and The Hangout having rough surf.
Beach Towns Close
Along Beach Boulevard, nearly everything was shut with sheet metal covering Hooters and CVS, and Waffle Houses closed for Hurricane Isaias.
Police Block Traffic
An Orange Beach police officer blocked traffic from crossing the Perdido Pass Bridge as the storm approached Gulf Shores.
Return Trip Changes
On the return trip, palm branches blew across roads, trees swayed, and police were suddenly everywhere with lights on.
In short
Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast Friday evening with winds up to 120 mph, causing evacuations and closures in Alabama beach towns.
