Storm Surge/Tide — Baldwin Coastal, Alabama

2018-10-10 · Baldwin Coastal, Alabama

Wider weather episode

Major Hurricane Michael made landfall near Mexico Beach, FL around 1 PM CDT on October 10, 2018 with estimated maximum winds on 155 mph. Michael then tracked northeast in southern Georgia by that evening.

Michael produced minimal tropical storm force winds in coastal Okaloosa County with gusts to 60 mph. Further inland and to the west toward Pensacola, tropical storm force gusts were reported. The winds resulted in the downing of some trees and power lines. 10 to 15 foot surf caused significant beach erosion and closed Highway 399 between Pensacola Beach and Navarre, damaging portions of the road. Minor coastal flooding was reported with several small piers damaged and destroyed on Choctawhatchee Bay.

Storm surge inundation peaked between 2 to 2.5 feet across coastal Alabama and Northwest Florida. This resulted in some minor coastal flooding. This was largely the result of persistent easterly winds well to the north of the hurricane as it was over the southern and central Gulf of Mexico.

Rainfall totals less than one-quarter of an inch near Gulf Shores to a little over 3 inches in Florala.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 790196. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.