Weather Service Warns of Gulf Beach Dangers This Weekend
(KMDL-FM) School has been out for a week or so across most parishes in Louisiana and based on the traffic seen flowing along I-10 through Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans it pretty clear that a lot of Louisiana families are looking for a little sun and sand along the storied Redneck Riviera, also known as the Alabama and Florida coasts.
Many of you will be making the trek eastward this weekend, but you should be aware of some obstacles, some of them serious, some not so much, that could be blocking your way. A recent social media survey found that a lot of you have a love/hate relationship with the beach.
What's the Worst Thing About Going to the Beach?
Based on your comments, the one thing you don't like dealing with the most is sand. The second most common complaint about a trip to the beach involved traffic. Well, we've got some bad news for you: you'll encounter both of those on your journey eastward over the weekend. But there is something even more sinister you will need to consider.
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Mother Nature has decided that this will be a difficult weekend for those who want to frolic in the waves of the Gulf. Your condo or hotel swimming pool should be okay, but swimming in the salt water will pose a major risk for any who attempts to do so.
The National Weather Service Forecast Office that serves Mobile/Pensacola has issued a Rip Current Advisory for anyone who is going to the beach this weekend. There is a high risk of rip currents on Friday and Friday night. The threat shifts to moderate for Saturday and Sunday. Whether "high" or "moderate," the risk is real, and it could cost you your life.
As you can see in the graphic provided by the NWS, beachgoers all along the coast will be dealing with less than optimum beach conditions at least through Monday. This includes Orange Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Fort Walton Beach, and the beaches around Destin.
Officials in those beach towns are asking that if you do get into the Gulf this weekend that you swim near a lifeguard. That should be all you need to hear about whether it will be a good idea to swim in the "ocean" or not.
Why is I-10 Backed Up Along the Mississippi Coast?
On Monday, June 9th, I-10 just east of the Louisiana state line will be a madhouse. The new Harrison County Buc-ee's Travel Center is having its grand opening on that day. The travel center will officially open at 6 on Monday. There will be official Grand Opening ceremonies at 10. Yes, they are expecting a crowd.
However, when Mississippi officials gave the go-ahead on the new travel center, they also opted to redo some major infrastructure around the Menge Avenue Exit, that's Exit 22 off I-10 in Mississippi. They built a whole new overpass and constructed entries and exits to the business in such a way as to dissipate traffic. At least that's the hope.
If you've ever been to the Buc-ee's just east of Mobile, Alabama, then you know what a mess that Buc-ee's can bring. We aren't faulting Buc-ee's for being popular, we are just cautioning you that a lot of people will be wanting to "be the first" to experience a travel center with that new beaver smell.
What Is the Forecast for Orange Beach, Navarre, Pensacola, and Destin Next Week?
After the weekend rip currents abate, at least we hope they will, you'll have typical beach weather but with an enhanced threat of rain and thunderstorms beginning Saturday. Rain and storm chances will be 50% to 60% from Saturday through Wednesday, and there could be strong to severe storms along the coast early next week.
But as the bathroom plaques that you find in most condos along the coast will tell you, "A Bad Day at the Beach Beats the Hell Out of Good Day at Work". Have fun, be safe, expect traffic, and don't forget to download this.
That way, you can keep up with what's happening here at home while you are making memories and trying to keep your car from being filled with sand. Oh, and don't speed on the Basin Bridge, or do any of these other bad things.
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Gallery Credit: Bruce Mikells