Weather threat in Gulf to delay National Shrimp Festival opening

The National Shrimp Festival will open later than planned – but only by a few hours – due to the possibility of severe weather along Alabama’s coast.

The 50th edition of the Gulf Shores festival runs from Thursday through Sunday along the public beach at the foot of Ala. 59. It was scheduled to open at 10 a.m. Thursday, but organizers announced Tuesday that they are pushing the opening back to 2 p.m. Thursday.

The move is being made due to a low-pressure system in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. As of Tuesday morning, forecasters said chances were low that the system would develop into a tropical depression. Even so, it’s expected to bring rough seas and gale-force winds to the northern Gulf by Wednesday. Its merger with a frontal system coming in from the northwest could produce storms and heavy rain along the coast.

The weather doesn’t threaten the festival directly, but could impact vendor setup work prior to Thursday’s opening. The decision to postpone the opening “was made to ensure everyone working on-site remains safe throughout the setup process,” festival organizers said on Tuesday.

“From Thursday afternoon on, forecasts are favorable and organizers are looking forward to celebrating what will be a milestone weekend for the Gulf Coast,” said the festival statement.