Hurricane Isaias damage in Gulf Shores: tree damage and the forecast

Reported, and forecast

• Reported: Baldwin EMC, a utility in Baldwin County, Alabama, reported significant tree damage and impacts to its power system, and suspended restoration efforts during the storm. More than 600,000 customers were without power across the Southeast after landfall; Source: Fox Weather later reporting put the initial total near 900,000 across Florida, Alabama and Georgia. Source: PropertyCasualty360
• Reported: Alabama’s governor ordered non-residents to evacuate Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Dauphin Island on Thursday, Oct 8. Source: ABC30
• Forecast, not an observation: Alabama EMA said storm surge of 4 to 6 feet was possible along coastal areas, with widespread damage and outages expected. Source: Alabama EMA

I found no reporting of observed damage in Gulf Shores itself, so this page does not claim any. Orange Beach has its own page.

What do Gulf Shores homeowners need to know about debris, permits and help after Isaias?

These notes are for homeowners documenting their own damage. I do not contract or repair in Florida or Alabama. I do not offer claim help. For Gulf Shores after Isaias, the city’s official pages are thin, so this section tells you what exists and what I could not find.

Debris first. A city Public Works notice, posted October 12, asks residents to separate debris into the right piles, such as vegetation, construction materials, and appliances. If you hired a contractor, the contractor is responsible for hauling away the debris it generates. Source: City of Gulf Shores The notice says routes are meant to stay on schedule and gives no pickup dates, and it does not name a storm, so I cannot say it is specific to Isaias. Questions go to Public Works at 251.968.1440. Photograph what is in each pile before it leaves, because mixed piles are the hardest to describe later.

The city did publicly thank its crews for working "before, during, and after Hurricane Isaias on October 9 and 10." Source: City of Gulf Shores

Permits are the gap. The Building Department page lists an address at 205 Clubhouse Drive, Suite B, a phone of (251) 968-1150, and weekday hours of 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but it contains no storm-repair rules about emergency repairs or fee waivers. Source: City of Gulf Shores Building Department Ask the department before work starts, and keep the date and the name of the person who answered.

The county side. Baldwin County Emergency Management says crews are surveying damage and clearing debris, reports widespread fallen trees, and says the local state of emergency and evacuation have been lifted. For unmet needs or recovery help it points to the county’s volunteer organizations at baldwincountyvoad@gmail.com, and it lists a Call Center at 251-972-6807. Source: Baldwin County Emergency Management The Alabama Emergency Management Agency reports that food, water, and other supplies have reached affected counties, including Baldwin, and that residents needing supplies can call or text 2-1-1. Source: Alabama EMA

I have not found a federal disaster declaration covering Alabama. The Florida declaration I could confirm covers Florida counties only. Source: WLOX Operation Blue Roof requires a major disaster declaration, and none is listed. Source: FEMA

On contractors, Alabama’s Home Builders Licensure Board has a "Look Up a License" tool on its site, and its office is 334-242-2230. It also posted a notice that the Governor’s emergency proclamation triggers consumer protection laws and that unauthorized home building can bring felony charges. Source: Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board The Attorney General’s Office takes consumer calls at (334) 242-7300. Source: Alabama Attorney General

Trees, lines and the roof underneath

A utility reporting significant tree damage points to what usually follows: limbs on roofs, branches through siding, and lines pulled down against eaves. A fallen limb that did not puncture the roof can still bruise shingles, crack tile, or knock a vent or flashing loose.

After the limb is cleared, what remains is small and local, and it is the damage that turns up later as a stain. Photograph the spot where a limb landed, from the ground, before it is moved.

Fort Morgan Road to the public beach

The Gulf Shores coast runs from the public beach area west toward Fort Morgan, along Fort Morgan Road, with condominiums, vacation rentals and older cottages. Older cottages have different roof structures from the newer towers, and lower elevation means a different water risk. Those variations are why photographs of every side matter.

For what wind does to each roof type, read roof damage.

• Gulf Shores public beach area
• Fort Morgan Road
• Fort Morgan
• Little Lagoon area

Safety first, always

This page is information only. In disputes I give technical opinions to attorneys. Coverage questions go to your insurer, the Alabama Department of Insurance, or an attorney. I am not an attorney.

All Hurricane Isaias pages