Gale force winds force closure of ferry between beaches, Dauphin Island

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. (AP) - High winds have forced the shutdown of the ferry linking Dauphin Island with Alabama's main tourist beaches.

Mobile Bay Ferry operators said they had to suspend service on Wednesday because of gale-force winds.

The National Weather Service has issued a gale warning for the coast. Winds blowing to about 35 mph can churn up Mobile and make ferry operations hazardous.

The service should reopen on Thursday.

The ferry links the eastern end of Dauphin Island with the tip of Fort Morgan in Baldwin County.

We are closed at this time due to gail force winds. We do not expect to operate until tomorrow. Please drive safe. Thank you.

— HMS - Alabama (@mobilebayferry) December 26, 2012