Extreme winds create dangerous surf conditions in Baldwin County [Video]

GULF SHORES, Ala. (WALA) – Beach safety officials in Baldwin County posted double red flags Monday, March 25, 2024 making it illegal to enter the gulf waters in Gulf Shores. Winds howled out of the southeast, double red flags dancing in the wind, warning folks to stay out of the water.

Beach safety officials said the surf really kicked up overnight with consistent four-to-six-foot surf and a strong-running westerly current. The National Weather Service in Mobile predicted the surf to get even larger by the end of the day. Since swimming wasn’t allowed, Gulf Shores Beach Safety Chief, Joethan Phillips said lifeguards were pulled from their stands to patrol the beach.

“We have lifeguards that are doubled up and they’re on our patrolling vehicles, keeping people out of the water,” Phillips said.

Despite the double red flags flying over Gulf …