The National Weather Service issued a tropical storm warning, flash flood watch and flood warning for our area.  Dependant on the actual track the storm takes, they are predicting:

"         The biggest threat will be heavy rain, with a two-day total of 5-8 inches, with up to 10 inches in isolated areas. 
"         Winds will begin late this evening, with coastal areas experiencing 30-40 mph sustained winds and tropical storm force gusts that can exceed 50 mph, inland areas north of Interstate 10 can expect winds of 25-35 and strong gusts.
"         Tides are expected to be 2-4 feet above normal, with possible coastal flooding.
"         There is a risk for isolated tornadoes tonight and tomorrow.  A NOAA Weather Alert radio can be a lifesaver especially while you are sleeping.
"         Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should heed red flag warnings and stay out of the water as deadly rip currents and rough surf conditions are expected to continue through early next week.
"         River flooding is also possible, and may occur after the storm passes the area.
"         The storm is slow moving, and winds and rain may be possible for an extended period of time.
"         Residents are encouraged to monitor the local media for the most up-to-date information.

Evacuations
" No evacuation orders have been issued. However, for your own safety and comfort, if you plan to leave please do so now. A shelter will open at noon, however sheltering at a home of family or friends located inland, is far more comfortable than the public shelter and should be your first choice. At this time, Santa Rosa County does not have a shelter that accepts pets.

Shelters
"         A Red Cross shelter opened at noon at the Milton Community Center- 5629 Byrom Street for both special needs and the general population.
o        Population- 6 clients, 12 staff
"         Those with special needs must come with their own caregiver and call (850) 983-4636 before arriving at the shelter.
"         Anyone needing transportation assistance to a shelter, call (850) 983-4636.
"         If you go to a public evacuation shelter, you will need to take the following items:
o        A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.
o        Toiletries and personal items.
o        Blankets or sleeping bags.
o        Identification and any important papers.
o        Games or toys for children; books for adults.
o        Special items for infants or elderly family members.
o        Any special dietary needs and nonperishable foods for snacks.
o        Battery operated radio, flashlights and plenty of spare batteries.
o        Prescription medications or any over-the-counter medications you normally take.

 

Roads
"         Tolls for Garcon Point Bridge have been lifted and will continue throughout the evening. DOT will reevaluate and decide early Sunday when tolls will be reinstated.
"         Residents should anticipate some roads and bridges located near streams and rivers to close due to flooding. The flood stages of rivers will be monitored regularly by emergency management staff. Those living near streams and rivers should also monitor water levels to ensure their safety.

Actions by Emergency Management
" The EOC will remain activated at a level 2, or partial activation with key staff throughout the night and Sunday morning. Staffing levels for Sunday afternoon/night will be determined after scheduled conference calls in the morning.
" The citizen information line will be available through the evening and Sunday morning unless otherwise notified at (850) 983-4636 (INFO).
" Road department crews and fire department personnel are schedule to make any potential damage assessments Sunday morning.
" All Emergency Support Function personnel are on stand by to respond as needed.
" County Administrator Hunter Walker signed a State of Emergency Declaration at 9 a.m. on Friday.
" An extra road crew has been placed on call for the weekend to respond as needed.

Government Offices/Schools
" At this time, the storm is not expected to affect normal county offices or school openings on Friday or Monday.
" Flooded roads and bridges may hinder the normal bus route on Monday. Any changes will be announced tomorrow.

Church Services Canceled
" Ferris Hill Baptist Church (Milton)
" First Baptist Church (Milton)
" Pine Terrace Baptist Church of Milton

Sand Bags
All sand bag distribution ended at 1 p.m. Over 5,500 bags were given out. Any distribution for Sunday will be determined based on need.

 

Steps Residents Can Take
" Residents are asked to stay off the roads tonight and Sunday 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.
" Stay away from moving water.  Moving water six inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
" Leave your home if advised or if you feel threatened.
" If you have time, turn off all utilities at the main switch and move all valuables to a higher floor if possible, but only if you have time.
" Please do not call 9-1-1 to report power outages. Power outages should be reported to Gulf Power at
1-800-GU-Power (1-800-487-6937) or Escambia River Cooperative, Inc. at 1-877-OUT-EREC or 1-877-688-3732
" Mariners should heed small-craft warnings and remain in port.

 

EMS
Lifeguard Ambulance Service has increased staffing levels with strategic placement of rapid response vehicles in low-lying areas in preparation for flooding and to Navarre Beach to warn citizens of riptides.

 

Utilities
" Gulf Power's crews are on standby to begin restoration when needed and an additional 200 are coming from Georgia Power to assist from Panama City to Pensacola. Crews will respond to outages until winds reach 35 mph. At that time, our crews will need to seek shelter until winds return to below 35 mph. Gulf Power is able to detect most widespread outages during a storm and customers should wait a reasonable time before calling in an outage report.  The company encourages customers to call 1-800-GU-POWER (487-6937) for reporting outages.
" Escambia River Electric Cooperative, Inc. (EREC) has placed all emergency response personnel in a storm readiness alert status.  Preparations have been made to assure the restoration of power is handled as quickly and efficiently as possible should the storm cause damage to the EREC power system. 

Know your warnings!

A Tropical Storm Watch
Issued when tropical storm conditions are possible within 36 hours.

A Tropical Storm Warning
A warning that sustained winds within the range of 39 to 73 mph or 63 to 118 km/hr (34 to 63 knots) associated with a tropical storm are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. A severe thunderstorm may contain large damaging hail of 3/4 inch (20 mm) diameter or larger, and/or damaging winds 58 mph (95 km/h or 50 knots) or greater. A tornado is possible.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
A severe thunderstorm is indicated by Doppler weather radar or sighted by Skywarn spotters. A severe thunderstorm may contain large damaging hail of 3/4 inch (20 mm) diameter or larger, and/or damaging winds 58 mph (95 km/h or 50 knots) or greater.

Tornado Watch
Issued when conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. You should monitor local radio or TV stations to stay informed and to know immediately if a tornado warning is issued.

Tornado Warning
Issued when a tornado has been sighted in the area. Take shelter immediately! New radar technology known as DOPPLER has the ability to detect wind directions that may indicate a tornado and a tornado warning may be issued before one is actually sighted by the public.

 

Flash Flood Watch 
Conditions are favorable for flash flooding in and close to the watch area. These watches are issued by the Weather Forecast Office and are usually issued six to twenty-four hours in advance of expected flood potential.

Flash Flood Warning
Flash flooding is occurring, imminent or highly likely. A flash flood is a flood that occurs within 6 hours of excessive rainfall and that poses a threat to life and/or property. Dam failures can also cause flash floods. These warnings are issued on a county by county basis by the local Weather Forecast Office and are generally in effect for up to 6 hours.

Flood Warning
General or area flooding of streets, low-lying areas, urban storm drains, creeks and small streams is occurring, imminent, or highly likely. Flood warnings are issued for flooding that occurs more than 6 hours after the excessive rainfall. These warnings are issued on a county by county basis by the local Weather Forecast Office and are generally in effect for 6 to 12 hours.

Citizen Information Line
" The citizen information line will be available through the evening and Sunday morning unless otherwise notified at (850) 983-4636 (INFO).
" Updates, notifications and alerts are available by e-mail or text messaging during an emergency. To subscribe to this free public service, please log on to www.santarosa.fl.gov

Official Web Site for County Storm Information