GULF SHORES, Ala. (WPMI)

When these vacationers planned trips to Gulf Shores, they didn't plan on an unwanted visitor named Cindy passing through. Double red flags are posted along the beach, meaning it is illegal to enter the water.

Heather Gilmore and her family came all the way from Arkansas.

"It's been an experience because we have 9 kids in one condo," said Gilmore.

She and others say they're making the best out of a soggy situation by spending time checking out local restaurants, shops and mother nature's strength. Tropical Storm Cindy was flexing her muscles Wednesday through powerful waves and wind gusts up to 40 mph.

"I've never seen anything like this. This looks so amazing," said one beach-goer.

Local 15 also ran into three sisters from Kentucky who came for relaxation and tan lines.

"It's going to be a sand blast line instead," said one of the women.

But nothing is putting a damper on their vacation. They say as long as they have each other, that's all that matters.

"We do this trip in honor of our mother and father and so our first gathering was to spread their ashes and we gather every year thereafter so we have five days off and Cindy is going to be visiting us in Gulf Shores," said one of the sisters, Nancy Kohsin-Kintigh.

Officials say they're keeping a close eye on the beaches to make sure no one gets in the water.

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Double flags at beaches aren't stopping vacationers from having fun ... - WPMI Local 15 News