A witness reported seeing a tornado passing 20 feet above the Blackwater Fish Hatchery on Bryant Bridge Road near Holt at about 3:45 p.m. Tuesday. The hatchery suffered about $10,000 damage to a building and another $10,000 damage to several pond aerators. 

 

 

Weather Outlook

• The National Weather Service is predicting an additional 3-4 inches of rainfall in our area on Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Residents are asked to limit driving Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, as the heavy rain may flood low-lying area roads and bridges.  Any closures will be announced as they occur. Residents are urged to drive cautiously and if possible, avoid driving until the severe weather has passed. Drivers are asked to heed any road and bridge closures.
• At this time, the National Weather Service is forecasting minor flooding. The flooding incurred Sunday and Monday was considered moderate.

 Actions by Santa Rosa County

• The declaration of local state of emergency was signed at 10 a.m. this morning. A declaration will allow the county to implement protective actions if needed.
• The emergency operations center is at level 2 activation with essential staff only.
• The American Red Cross is on standby to open a shelter if needed. Residents who do not feel safe in their home and need assistance with sheltering can call (850) 983-5372
• Public works crews are working throughout the day to clean debris from bridges and roads and make needed minor repairs
• Emergency management and public works crews will continue to monitor areas around the county.

 

Roads with localized flooding (more reports expected)

• Pine Blossom Road
• Munson Highway near Cold Water Flats
• Indian Ford Road
• Chumuckla Highway near Howell Pit and Chippewa Road

• Hwy. 87 and Bullard Road

 Road Closure/Impassable Roads- current

• Wallace Lake Road at Serenity Springs Road
• Edith Avenue
• Bucket Creek Road
• Riverwood Road
• Lakeside Court
• Peggy Lane
• North Airport Road north of River Road
• River Road
• Fisher Old Mill Road, from intersection of Deer Lake Road East (dirt road portion only)

 Bridge Closures- currentThe listed bridges and any other county-maintained bridges that are flooded, should not be crossed until public works inspections have been completed, after the water recedes.  Motorist should always avoid crossing flooded streets and should never attempt to cross flooded bridges.   

• Deaton Bridge Road

  Flooded Areas

• Flood levels in the residential and rural areas around the basins of Blackwater River in East Milton still have standing water/flooding conditions. The water has receded, but at a slower rate than the main river. The public should use extreme caution in those areas.
• Staff will continue to monitor all local rivers.

 Driving Safety Tips Santa Rosa County is currently under a flash flood watch. The heavy rain may flood low-lying area roads and bridges.  Any closures will be announced as they occur. Dangerous road conditions can be reported to the Santa Rosa County Road and Bridge Department at (850)626-0191. When driving, please follow these safety tips:

• The number one rule of rain weather driving is to slow down. Oil deposits on the road become slippery when combined with rain. The slower you go, the more traction you’ll have. Be extra careful at intersections where oil deposits are typically greatest.
• Leave extra space between you and the driver in front of you. It takes more time to stop your car in wet weather.
• Use your headlights. Headlights not only help you see better, but it also helps oncoming drivers see your vehicle.
• Avoid standing water. Not only is it difficult to judge the depth of standing water, but the water could also be covering a pothole which could damage your car.
• Stay in the center lanes where the road is highest and avoid lane changes. Water pools tend to collect along the curb and between lanes. The deeper the water, the harder it is to maintain control of your vehicle.
• Take special care when following or passing trucks. Trucks can generate a large spray, making it difficult to see the road and other vehicles.
• Slow down by either taking your foot off the accelerator or braking lightly. Always avoid having to come to a quick stop.

  General Safety Information

• Please monitor your home weather radio and local media outlets for the most up-to-date information.
• Your best defense in any disaster is a NOAA Weather radio.
• Citizens can signup to automatically receive breaking news alerts from Santa Rosa County Emergency Management via e-mail or as a text message on their cell phone at:  http://www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency/publicwarning