Friday Afternoon Fire Damages Gulf Coast Condos

(KMDL-FM) This weekend was already shaping up to be a rather "tough" weekend for Louisiana families heading east toward the beaches of Lower Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. So, the last thing any of us needed was to hear that our condo caught on fire. Well, there was a condo fire at a popular beach resort yesterday. 

But that isn't the only issue; those heading to the beach from Lafayette, Alexandria, Baton Rouge, and other cities in our state should know that there are more than a few obstacles you're going to have to negotiate this weekend before and after your time off concludes.

Let's address the issues you might encounter while traveling to and from the "Emerald Coast" or "Redneck Riviera," as these are the two areas of the Gulf Coast that most Louisiana vacationers typically visit.

Is There Construction On I-10 in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, or Florida?

In a very broad answer to that very broad question, we'd have to say yes. We know that the Louisiana DOTD has sent messaging reminding motorists of potential congestion near Butte La Rose.

If you encounter any other slowdowns on I-10 while you're in Louisiana, you can consult LA 511. That website offers real-time traffic details for all of the roads in Louisiana, just in case you need to or want to take a detour.  For traffic information across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, you can find it here.

Traffic updates from AL DOT can be found via this website. And once you pass the jets at the Florida Welcome Center on I-10, you can get road reports from Florida's Department of Transportation via this website.

Is It Safe to Swim in the Gulf This Weekend?

The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Mobile/Pensacola has issued a rip current advisory from the Mississippi Coast eastward through the beaches of the Florida Panhandle for the weekend. Beach conditions have improved since Friday, but there is still a Moderate Risk of strong rip currents along sandy shores.

To quote the NWS Advisory, "If you're going to swim, swim near a lifeguard". That should tell those born with common sense all they need to know about whether splashing in the waves or playing in the condo pool is a better idea.

Severe Weather and Strong Storms Are Possible Along the Gulf Coast

If the rip currents don't keep you out of the water, then the lightning should. Forecasters with the Storm Prediction Center suggest that Saturday will be a better day for fun in the sun because Sunday brings significant changes to the forecast.

Much of Lower Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, and for that matter, back home in Louisiana, will be at risk for strong to severe storms beginning Sunday. That risk will remain a part of the forecast through at least Wednesday.

No, it should not be a washout, where it's raining all the time, but you will want to remain cognizant of weather conditions while you are outside, as thunderstorms could build in rapidly, and lightning can be a danger even if thunderstorms are miles away from your location.

Popular Florida Beach Condos Damaged in Friday Afternoon Fire

Another concern that some of you might be dealing with over the weekend is fire damage. If your travel plans don't take you as far east as Panama City Beach, then this portion of the narrative won't apply to you. Because PCB is where Friday's fire was reported, and thanks to the amazing work of Panama City Beach Fire and Rescue, damage, though significant in some units, was kept to a minimum.

The fire was reported at the Long Beach Resort Tower 3. According to reports, several units were heavily damaged. No injuries were reported. PCB Fire and Rescue is currently investigating the cause of the blaze. The units that were most heavily involved were those on the 5th and 6th floors. If you have a booking at Long Beach Resort, you might want to verify that you still have accommodations available.

Get our free mobile app

The New I-10 Buc-ee's in Mississippi Opens on Monday

That won't affect your travels heading east this weekend, but I would not bet against a bit of a slowdown by the time you head home next weekend as you pass the Menge Avenue Exit off I-10 in Harrison County, Mississippi. That's where the new Buc-ee's Travel Center is opening on Monday. So it will be open for business when you're driving back.

READ MORE: First Time at Buc-ee's? You Gotta Try These Foods

READ MORE: Bass Pro Shops Announces New I-10 Location

Hopefully, there won't be the issues with traffic around the Mississippi Buc-ee's that many of you have experienced around Robertsdale/Loxley, Alabama. That location is a traffic nightmare. I can only imagine how many people are going to want to see the brand new Buc-ee's, so plan accordingly.

We hope our heads up keeps you ahead of any issues that could put a damper on your time away from work. And while you're away from the day-to-day of your normal existence, you can still keep up with what's happening at home by checking this out.

And if the weather does close in on your beach day or the rip currents are too strong for swimming, you can always check out these.