Schools close, shelter opens in Ala. ahead of Ida

GULF SHORES, Ala. (AP) - Alabama’s coast is under a hurricane warning as Ida moves north toward a possible landfall near the Alabama-Florida state line.
   
Baldwin County schools were closed Monday as the county of 170,000 people prepared for the storm, and a shelter was opening.  Forecasters say the area will likely get winds of 40 mph or more by lunchtime, and officials are urging voluntary evacuations in low-lying places.
   
The storm could affect Alabama’s prime beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, but officials say not many tourists are there right now. Property damage and flooding are still a threat, however.
   
Mobile also is in the storm’s possible path, but schools remained open because Ida appeared to be tracking east of the city.