Ever since Memorial Day Weekend, there has been a steady stream of vehicles with Louisiana license plates heading east on I-10 toward the beaches of Lower Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. For many families, this annual journey means sun, sand, surf, and a lot of good food brought from home.
Rough Waters Ahead
If you have beach plans, you might want to reconsider making that trip this particular weekend. The Gulf of Mexico is not friendly for swimmers right now, as indicated by information from the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Mobile, Alabama.
Rip Current Risk
The NWS Office in Mobile/Pensacola offers a special rip current forecast and outlook to help beachgoers properly plan their time in cities such as Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Perdido Key, Pensacola, Destin, or Navarre. The outlook is not safe for those looking to dip their toes in the water.
Double Red Flags
With double red flags flying at many beaches along the northern Gulf of Mexico, indicating dangerous rip currents, no one is allowed in the water at all. Beach conditions along the Louisiana and Texas coasts are not much better, likely worsened by their proximity to Tropical Storm Alberto.
Future Storms
Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center are monitoring the southwestern Gulf for potential tropical trouble after Alberto moves out. Any further development could keep wave and high water action at dangerous levels along the coast.
Beach Alternatives
If beach plans don't include sand, staying by the pool at the condo or enjoying taffy and souvenir hermit crabs should be safe options. While there will be plenty of sunshine, afternoon showers may be a temporary highlight for those staying along the Gulf this weekend and early next week. Remember to pack common sense and sunscreen for your trip.