There have been several bad storms hit Gulf Shores in the past decades, but only a few have devastated the area like Hurricane Frederic. On September 12, 1979, a tidal surge registered at over 12 feet came ashore. The Category 4 storm produced winds up to 134 MPH. The City of Gulf Shores was devastated as were resident along all of the Alabama coast.

Frederic caused widespread damage to buildings, including 80% of structures in Gulf Shores, and a significant loss of trees plants and equipment, which devastated the local agriculture industry. Dozens of roof tops were floating in the lagoons.

In coastal Alabama, nearly all structures within 200 yards of the Gulf were destroyed. The Dauphin Island causeway was washed away in many places.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which was created just three months prior, coordinated a massive recovery effort.

We rebuild and remind people of past storms, but surely the name Frederic is one Gulf Shores residents would rather forget.