Storm Awareness and Preventative Measures on the Gulf Coast

Gulf Coast

As a real estate advisor and longtime resident of the Gulf Coast, I’ve experienced the full range of weather our area can deliver. From tranquil sunny days to thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, cold snaps, and the occasional snowstorm, being prepared is vital. I’ve created this section on my website to help you protect your home, stay safe during severe weather, and navigate storms with confidence.

Types of Storms We Experience

Our Gulf Coast weather can shift quickly, and knowing what to expect is half the battle. Here’s what we typically face:

  • Thunderstorms: Sudden and intense, these can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous lightning.
  • Tornadoes: Less common than in the Midwest, but they can develop rapidly during severe weather events.
  • Hurricanes: The most significant threat, with high winds, storm surges, and flooding. The season typically runs from June to November.
  • Cold Snaps: Freezing temperatures can cause damage to pipes and vegetation.
  • Snow Storms: Rare but possible, snow or ice can temporarily disrupt our mild winters.

Preparing for Storms

Being proactive can save you time, money, and stress. Below are my key recommendations for storm preparedness:

Home and Property Preparation

  • Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in grills, deck furniture, potted plants, and lightweight items that could become projectiles in high winds.
  • Install Hurricane Shutters: These protect windows and glass doors from flying debris. Plywood can also work in a pinch.
  • Protect Pool and Well Pumps: Turn off and cover pool pumps to prevent debris damage. Seal well pumps to avoid contamination.
  • Insulate Pipes and Faucets: For freezing weather, insulate outdoor pipes and spigots, and let indoor faucets drip to prevent burst pipes.
  • Reinforce Glass: Install shatter-resistant film on windows for added protection.

Emergency Kit Essentials

Having a well-stocked emergency kit is critical. Here’s what I recommend including:

  • Water: At least one gallon per person per day for three to seven days.
  • Food: Non-perishable items like canned goods, protein bars, peanut butter, and dry snacks.
  • First Aid Supplies: Bandages, antiseptics, medications, and any personal prescriptions.
  • Tools and Equipment: Flashlights, extra batteries, a multi-tool, duct tape, and a weather radio.
  • Power Sources: A portable phone charger or power bank, and a generator for extended outages.
  • Personal Items: Extra clothing, sturdy shoes, blankets, hygiene products, and pet supplies.
  • Important Documents: Copies of IDs, insurance policies, and medical records in a waterproof bag.
  • Emergency Cash: ATMs may be out of service.
  • Special Items: Baby formula, diapers, or any other necessary family-specific supplies.

gulf coast storm tips meredith amon

Staying Informed During a Storm

Knowing what’s happening in real time is crucial. Here are some ways to stay updated:

  • Local Alerts: Sign up for emergency notifications through the Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency or download apps like FEMA, NOAA Weather Radar, or MyRadar.
  • Text Alerts: Many counties have text-based services for weather alerts, road closures, and evacuation updates.
  • Social Media: Follow local agencies like the Baldwin County EMA, Alabama DOT, and Gulf Shores and Orange Beach city pages for real-time updates.
  • Weather Radios: Keep a battery-operated NOAA weather radio on hand.
  • Local News: TV and radio stations like WKRG and WALA often provide reliable storm coverage and road closure details.

Evacuation Plans

When it comes to hurricanes and severe weather, evacuation orders can happen quickly. Have a plan in place to leave safely:

  • Know Your Zone: Baldwin County has specific evacuation zones; find yours in advance.
  • Plan Routes: Familiarize yourself with primary and secondary evacuation routes. Keep a paper map in case GPS is unavailable.
  • Pack Smart: Prepare a “go bag” with essentials like your emergency kit, clothing, and important documents.

Post-Storm Checklist

After the storm, safety is still key:

  • Inspect for Damage: Check your roof, siding, windows, and outdoor equipment. Document damage with photos for insurance purposes.
  • Check Utilities: Avoid downed power lines and contact your utility provider to report outages.
  • Lend a Hand: If you’re able, check on neighbors and assist as needed.

Contacts

In Baldwin County, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores, Alabama, there are several resources available to stay informed about extreme storms, road closures, and town updates:

Emergency Alert Systems

1. Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)

• Website: Baldwin County EMA

• Alert Baldwin: A notification system that sends alerts via text, email, or voice for severe weather, road closures, and emergencies. Residents can sign up on their website.

2. City of Orange Beach

• Alert Notifications: The city provides emergency alerts and updates through its website and social media channels. You can sign up for their alerts on the Orange Beach website.

3. City of Gulf Shores

• Everbridge Notification System: Gulf Shores uses this platform to send emergency notifications. Sign up on the City of Gulf Shores website.

4. NOAA Weather Radio

• Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio for real-time severe weather alerts specific to Baldwin County.

 

Local News and Weather Apps

• WKRG News 5 and FOX10 News: Local TV stations provide updates on storms, road closures, and municipal decisions.

• Weather apps such as Weather Channel, AccuWeather, or MyRadar often have location-specific alerts for storms and extreme weather.

 

Social Media Channels

1. Baldwin County EMA Facebook/Twitter: Regular updates on weather and road conditions.

2. Orange Beach Police Department and Gulf Shores Police Department: Follow their social media pages for live updates on road closures and re-openings.

 

Road Closures

• ALGO Traffic (algotraffic.com): A real-time traffic and road condition map for Alabama, including Baldwin County. It includes storm-related road closures and updates.

• Local police department pages and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office also post road closure information.

 

Storm and Town Reopening Updates

• City of Orange Beach: Updates on closures and reopenings are shared on their website and social media platforms.

• City of Gulf Shores: Similar updates are available on the Gulf Shores website and through their alert system.

• Baldwin County EMA: Provides broader updates on county-wide storm recovery efforts and town reopening timelines.

 

Contact Hotlines

• Baldwin County EMA: (251) 972-6807

• Orange Beach Citizen Information Line: Typically activated during emergencies. The number is shared on the city’s website and social media.

• Gulf Shores Emergency Line: (251) 968-2425

 

Final Thoughts

Living on the Gulf Coast means enjoying a beautiful, vibrant lifestyle, but preparation for storms is a must. By taking these steps, you’ll protect your home, loved ones, and peace of mind. If you have questions about storm-proofing your property, need recommendations for contractors, or are considering a move to the area, I’m here to help.

Meredith Amon is a local real estate advisor, licensed in Alabama and Florida. She specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the buying and selling of homes along the Gulf Coast.




Flood Preparedness on the Gulf Coast: What Every Orange Beach and Ono Island Homeowner Should Know

By Meredith Folger Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Orange Beach Alabama Hurricane Preparation

Living along the Gulf Coast means embracing the water—its beauty, its rhythm, and sometimes, its challenges. Whether you own a home in Orange Beach — https://www.searchthegulf.com/orange-beach/ or on Ono Island — https://www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island/, understanding how to prepare for potential flooding is an essential part of coastal living.

The Baldwin County Building Department recently sent letters reminding property owners that areas like ours have experienced multiple flood events and claims filed with FEMA. As part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the …

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By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

After Hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Sally (2020), many Gulf Coast homeowners began asking the same questions about insurance coverage, premiums, and building standards. While the storms brought challenges, they also pushed our communities toward smarter building and better protection. Here are some of the most common questions I hear from homeowners and buyers in Orange Beach, Ono Island, Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and Dauphin Island.

Orange Beach Alabama Hurricanes Sally Ivan

Common Questions About Insurance After Ivan and Sally

Q: Did Ivan and Sally change how insurance…

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Hurricanes Ivan and Sally: Frequently Asked Questions About Their Impact on the Alabama Gulf Coast

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

Orange Beach Alabama Hurricanes Sally Ivan

I’m often asked by homeowners and buyers how past hurricanes have affected Orange Beach, Ono Island, Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and Dauphin Island. To make this easier, I’ve put together a comprehensive Q&A guide about Hurricane Ivan (2004) and Hurricane Sally (2020)—two storms that struck exactly sixteen years apart, both on September 16th.

These questions cover storm categories, wind speeds, rainfall, flooding, recovery times, insurance impacts, and what we’ve learned since.

General Storm Questions

Q: What…

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WHY METAL ROOFS ARE A SMART CHOICE ON THE GULF COAST

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

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Metal Roofs Gulf Coast Ono Island

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Metal roofs generally last 20–50 years, which is two to three times longer than a traditional asphalt shingle roof. With proper care—such as keeping the roof clean,…

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Understanding Flood Zones on Ono Island and Orange Beach, Alabama: What Every Buyer and Homeowner Needs to Know 

By Meredith Amon, Licensed In Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."


Ono Island Flood Storm Surge Map

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Protecting Your Home: How Alabama Homeowners Can Receive a Grant for a New Roof

By Meredith Amon

 

A strong, durable roof is one of the most critical components of any home—especially in coastal regions where high winds and severe weather pose a constant threat. Fortunately, Alabama homeowners have access to grant programs that can help cover the cost of upgrading their roofs to more resilient, storm-resistant standards.

Strengthen Alabama Homes Grant Program

The Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) grant program provides eligible homeowners with up to $10,000 to upgrade their roofs to the FORTIFIED™ standard, a construction method designed to enhance home resilience against hurricanes, strong winds, and severe weather events.

Key Benefits…

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 Orange Beach Ono Island Alabama Snowstorm

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Winterizing Your Home for Cold Snaps and Snow in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Baldwin County, Alabama


Winterization Orange Beach Alabama

While the Gulf Coast is known for its mild winters, unexpected cold snaps and even the occasional snowstorm can happen. In Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Baldwin County, these rare events often catch homeowners by surprise. Proper preparation and winterization can protect your home, save you money on repairs, and ensure your family stays comfortable during cold weather.

Here are the key preventative measures, emergency contacts, and tips to keep in mind for winter storms in our area.

Preventative Measures for Winterization

Protecting Your Pipes

  • Wrap and Insulate Pipes: Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape for exposed…

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A Rare Snow Day on Ono Island: A Winter Wonderland by the Gulf

Ono Island Snow Winter 

A Rare Snow Day on Ono Island: A Winter Wonderland by the Gulf

As a homeowner and real estate advisor on Ono Island, I've come to appreciate the unique beauty of our coastal paradise in every season. But waking up this morning to find the island transformed by a rare blanket of snow was nothing short of magical. The combination of blue skies, shimmering white powder, and our tropical landscape created a scene like nothing I’ve ever experienced here before.

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A Snowstorm on Ono Island: A Rare Winter Wonderland

Ono Island Snow Day

 


As I sit here looking out over the quiet canals of Ono Island, I can hardly believe my eyes. Snow is falling softly, blanketing the island in a delicate layer of white—a sight so rare in Orange Beach, Alabama, it feels like stepping into a dream. Ono Island, known for its tropical vibe and sunny days, has been transformed into a winter wonderland.

This morning, I woke up to the unusual hush that only comes with snow. The vibrant greens of the palm trees now peek out from beneath a soft dusting of snowflakes. The familiar waterways look almost otherworldly, their glassy surfaces reflecting the gray sky above. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime view for this Gulf Coast island.

A Surprising Start…

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