Wind in doubt, stay out: severe weather affects beachgoers
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Double red flags kept swimmers out of the water at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Wednesday.
The flags stood parallel in the wind, closing the water to the public due to life-threatening rip currents and extreme surf.
Beach Safety Chief Joethan Phillips said staying out the water is not a suggestion.
“Right now we have waves at 5-7 feet so they’re very big waves,” he said. “We want everybody to be on the sand. The reason is because there’s dangerous surf and rip currents. And it’s really just not safe to be out there.”
“If you’re in the water, the biggest consequence is death,” said Phillips. “That’s what could happen today if you’re out there and you’re not an experienced swimmer and we really recommend you not going out there and like I said it is illegal.”
Phillips said disregarding the double red flags could result in a $500 or arrest.
A few beachgoers decided to brave the strong winds, but make a few changes like facing their chairs in the direction of the wind or wearing sunglasses to avoid getting sand in their eyes.
“I’m just glad I had these on cause it protects against the sand,” said Landon.
“It’s blowing so I’m trying to get it away from the direction facing the opposite direction from where the sand’s blowing,” said Delanie.
Some said the weather isn’t what they expected, but they’re still happy to be at the beach.
“Very windy, I will say that,” said Delanie. “Probably a little chilly, not too cold, not too hot, but perfect.”
“The sand was hitting us a lot and we were getting exfoliated,” said a local.
“It’s fun walking with these guys but it’s definitely pretty windy,” Landon said. “The sand hits you pretty hard.”
A visitor from Illinois said he will take the wind over cold weather.
“It was below zero when we left, so this is not bad at all, so yeah, we’re enjoying it,” said Chris.
Phillips shared a final reminder when going to the beach in this weather.
“They’re here for your safety and we also want you to look at what a rip current is and the flags before you get here,” he said.
For information on beach safety and to check the beach flag warning system click here.
Copyright 2025 WALA. All rights reserved.
Most Read
Latest News
Double red flags kept swimmers out of the water at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Wednesday
‘OMG … this is a big baby!’: Mom gives birth to 13-pound baby girl
‘All clear’ given; Officials say no signs of active shooter at NAS Pensacola’s Corry Station
Mobile traffic fatality leads to manslaughter arrest
Red Robin may close 70 locations nationwide as it battles financial losses
Historic ocean liner SS United States arrives at Mobile
Family identifies victim in fatal Mobile crash; new details on suspect
Rain and clouds this morning, some sunshine later
UPDATE: Dog abandoned in trash bag had to be put down after being shot, vet says
Bayfront Park reopens in Mobile County with “pocket beach”, other amenities
2 killed in crash on Coy Smith Highway
16-year-old killed in Walton County ATV crash
Bayfront Park reopens in Mobile County with “pocket beach”, other amenities
2 killed in crash on Coy Smith Highway
People gather at Edmund Pettus Bridge for 60th Bridge Crossing Jubilee
Gulf Shores outlines training for lifeguards
Alabama Point East stretch of beach closed for Spring Break
UPDATE: High surf advisory for Charleston County until early Wednesday evening – breaking waves of 4 to 6 feet anticipated
Storage Preferences
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.
The NWS Charleston SC issued an updated high surf advisory at 2:54 a.m. on Wednesday valid between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. for Charleston County.
The NWS describes, “Large breaking waves of 4 to 6 feet expected in the surf zone.”
“Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion,” describes the NWS. “Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions.”
This advisory is in effect until 4 p.m.
Source: The National Weather Service
This story was originally published March 4, 2025 at 3:02 PM.
Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand.
Part of the McClatchy Media Network
