Scott Smothers, a lifeguard with the Gulf Shores Beach Patrol, changes the warning flag to double red flags, closing the waters at the Gulf Shores Public Beach as Tropical Storm Isaac approaches the Gulf Coast Monday in Gulf Shores (AP Photo/Press-Register, John David Mercer)
The boardwalk in the tourist town of Gulf Shores was virtually deserted Tuesday morning except for John McCombs. He ventured out to walk his dog and see waves lapping at the seawall of the public beach. Within moments, he was drenched as another band of rain hit. He said, "That's it. It's here." And he scurried back across the street from the beach.
Police have barricaded the main road leading to the waterfront in Gulf Shores. But pharmacies, tire stores, restaurants and other businesses are open less than 10 miles north of the coast in areas unaffected by the governor's evacuation order.
