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Hurricane Risk for Gulf Shores, AL

No tropical storms currently threaten the Gulf Shores area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.

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On this page
  1. By the numbers
  2. Most recent hurricane
  3. Strongest ever
  4. Closest approach
  5. When hurricanes hit
  6. Recent notable storms
  7. Preparedness

Since 1851, 178 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Gulf Shores. Here's what you should know.

Local note: Perched on Alabama's low-lying Gulf barrier shoreline, Gulf Shores is most at risk from storm surge and coastal flooding — recent storms including Category 2 Sally (2020) and Category 3 Zeta (2020) produced notable surge and coastal damage.

By the numbers

Total storms
178
since 1851
Major (Cat 3+)
32
at closest approach
Hurricanes (Cat 1+)
84
all categories
County
Baldwin County
Alabama

Most recent hurricane

Claudette (2021)

Passed within 107 miles of Gulf Shores on June 19, 2021. Peak intensity: TS (46 mph).

Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby

Camille (1969)

Reached Cat 5 (172 mph) at its peak. Passed within 98 miles of Gulf Shores.

Closest approach ever

Unnamed (1889)

Passed just 2.3 miles from Gulf Shores on September 23, 1889.

When hurricanes hit Gulf Shores

Distribution across the calendar year, based on every storm in the 150-mile radius since 1851:

Jan
0
Feb
0
Mar
0
Apr
0
May
1
Jun
16
Jul
24
Aug
37
Sep
61
Oct
36
Nov
3
Dec
0

Peak months are August through October, when the Atlantic season is most active. June, July, and November are secondary risk months.

Prep your supplies before the storm is named

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Recent notable storms (last 20 years)

Hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 200 miles in the last 20 years — these are the ones Gulf Shores residents likely remember:

Storm Year Peak Closest Date
Francine 2024 Cat 2 155 mi Sep 12, 2024
Nicole 2022 Cat 1 196 mi Nov 11, 2022
Ida 2021 Cat 4 167 mi Aug 29, 2021
Sally 2020 Cat 2 2 mi Sep 16, 2020
Marco 2020 Cat 1 121 mi Aug 24, 2020
Zeta 2020 Cat 3 131 mi Oct 29, 2020
Barry 2019 Cat 1 142 mi Jul 10, 2019
Michael 2018 Cat 5 122 mi Oct 10, 2018
Nate 2017 Cat 1 72 mi Oct 08, 2017
Hermine 2016 Cat 1 196 mi Sep 02, 2016
Isaac 2012 Cat 1 133 mi Aug 28, 2012
Ida 2009 Cat 2 17 mi Nov 10, 2009
Paloma 2008 Cat 4 158 mi Nov 14, 2008
Gustav 2008 Cat 4 181 mi Sep 01, 2008

Preparedness

  1. Know your zone. Gulf Shores is in Baldwin County — look up your evacuation zone here.
  2. Get alerts early. Sign up below — we'll notify you when storms first form in the basin, not just when they're at your doorstep.
  3. Have 3+ days of supplies. Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash.
  4. Have an evacuation plan. Know where you'll go, how you'll get there, what you'll bring.
  5. Follow official orders. If your zone is told to evacuate, leave. Don't wait.