Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, avoided major damage from Hurricane Ida
The coastal cities avoided direct impact from Hurricane Ida and encourages guests to keep future plans to visit
Media Contact:
Kay Maghan • Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
[email protected] • GulfShores.com/Media
1-800-745-SAND • 251-974-4625 (direct) • 251-752-8448 (cell)
GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – As Hurricane Ida greatly impacted the northern Gulf Coast, particularly southeast Louisiana, Aug. 29-30, 2021, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, sustained minor impacts. Cleanup is underway as the destination prepares for Labor Day weekend visitation.
“We have been in constant communication with cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach as well as the county emergency management agency, and our beach communities sustained minimal effects from Hurricane Ida,” said Beth Gendler, chief operating officer for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. “Having gone through a direct hit from Hurricane Sally just 11 months ago, we are heartbroken for our neighbors in Louisiana catastrophically impacted by Ida. We know the devastation they are experiencing.”
The local municipalities are working to clean up minor debris and waiting for the storm surge waters to recede. According to the city of Gulf Shores, there is water over some roads, making them impassible until the coastal waters recede in the coming days. All beachfront public parking lots in Gulf Shores, including Little Lagoon Pass, are closed at this time and will remain closed until cleanup is completed.
In both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, double red flags are still flying, indicating the waters are closed due to life-threatening surf and rip currents. Dangerous currents are expected to last for several days. Those who enter the water are subject to a fine and possible arrest. Visitors to the area receive daily beach flag and surf conditions on your phone, text “ALBeaches” to 888-777.
“For people wishing to donate or volunteer with Ida relief efforts, the Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency has notified us that Louisiana is requesting they work through verified organizations, such as the Alabama Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services (Serve Alabama),” said Gendler.
Other official non-profit relief groups include the United Way and the American Red Cross. The United Way of Southeast Louisiana has established a Hurricane Ida Relief Fund for those who wish to donate, and the Better Business Bureau also has guidelines for people to ensure they are donating to legitimate relief charitable organizations.
Click Here for the latest weather-related updates along Alabama’s beaches. For more information on this family beach destination, visit GulfShores.com or OrangeBeach.com.
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About Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism:
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism serves as the official destination marketing organization for the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in addition to the unincorporated area of Fort Morgan. To learn more about Alabama’s 32 miles of white-sand beaches, visit either GulfShores.com or OrangeBeach.com. This convention and visitors bureau is an accredited Destination Marketing Organization.
