GULF SHORES, Ala. (AP) — Public schools were reopening Monday in an Alabama beach town for the first time since Hurricane Sally made landfall there nearly two weeks ago.
Gulf Shores city schools resumed classes two days ahead of schools in surrounding Baldwin County, located on the eastern side of Mobile Bay.
A social media message by Superintendent Matt Akin said most issues at the system’s schools had been repaired, but officials know some families are still coping with storm cleanup. Students can be excused because of hurricane-related absences, he said.
Sally caused extensive damage when it blew ashore at Gulf Shores as a Category 2 hurricane on Sept. 16. The coast received nearly 30 inches of rain, forecasters said, and winds toppled trees and knocked out power throughout the city.