Gulf Islands National Seashore will close some Florida Areas of the park to all visitors beginning at 6 p.m. January 23, in preparation for severe weather. The expected weather consists of 30 to 35 MPH winds with gusts exceeding 50 to 55 MPH, and surf heights of 8 to 10 feet.
Closed areas include Fort Pickens Road and area including the Fort Pickens Campground, and Johnson Beach Road beyond the parking lot in Perdido Key Area. Campers currently in the Fort Pickens campground will need to evacuate by 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 24. All reservations for Fort Pickens Campground will be canceled until further notice beginning Tuesday.
“Due to potentially deteriorating conditions forecasted by the National Weather Service Office, high surf, and the likelihood for significant flooding on the park roadways, the park will close some Florida areas until further notice,” said Steve McCoy, Deputy Superintendent. “Our priority is to ensure the safest environment possible for park visitors and staff. The park will announce changes as appropriate, but predicted conditions do not allow the park to remain open.”
For more information, please follow the park’s social media accounts and website.
About Gulf Islands National Seashore: Created in 1971, the national seashore stretches 160 miles along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida and Mississippi, and includes barrier islands, maritime forests, historic forts, bayous, and marine habitat. Visit us at www.nps.gov/GulfIslands, on Facebook www.facebook.com/GulfIslandsNPS, Twitter www.twitter.com/GulfIslandsNPS, and Instagram www.Instagram.com/GulfIslandsNPS.
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