Tropical Storm Sally update #2 Prepare for prolonged rain event with flooding potentialSept. 13, 12:15 p.m. - A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for coastal northwest Florida.
- A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for the western Florida panhandle through Thursday.
- Tropical Storm Sally will continue to move west northwest through Monday, before turning north on Monday night into Tuesday.
- Strengthening is forecast and the system is forecast to become a hurricane on Monday.
- A hurricane is forecast to make landfall early Tuesday somewhere across southeast Louisiana to coastal Mississippi.
- The system will slow significantly as it approaches the coast and this will likely be a prolonged event especially in regard to heavy rainfall, potential surge, and dangerous surf.
- This has the potential to be an extensive rainfall and flooding event even with the storm making landfall to the west of the local area.
- Be ready for short-fused changes to the track and intensity forecast. An eastward shift in the track still cannot be ruled out.
- The next full update will be at approximately 6 p.m. today.
Tropical Storm Wind Speed Probabilities - Mainly tropical storm force gusts possible along the immediate coast with rain bands moving in Monday into Tuesday morning.
Storm Sure Watch/Warning - Based on the latest track, storm surge values of one to three feet in northwest Florida. This level does NOT trigger any evacuations.
- The highest water levels will likely be on Tuesday morning around the time of high tide.
- Surf heights will build to 8 to 12 feet along all gulf beaches in the western Florida panhandle beginning late tonight.
- Although no evacuations are anticipated at this time, you should ALWAYS KNOW YOUR ZONE. Visit Santa Rosa County's Know Your Zone app for evacuation zone information.
Forecast Storm Total Rainfall/Flooding Potential - Expect that roads which typically flood will flood. Turn around, don't drown. It is not possible to determine if a flooded roadway is covering a potentially deadly washout.
- Public works crews will be monitoring for flooding. Do not drive around or move any barricades.
- View closed roads here.
- This system has the potential to bring riverine flooding later this week. If you live on the river, be prepared for the possibility Wed. into Thurs. or Fri.
- Given the expected slow movement of the system, heavy rainfall appears likely and extensive flooding will be possible.
- Rainfall totals of 6-12” with localized amounts of 20” are possible across coastal northwest with 3-6” of rain with locally higher amounts possible further inland.
- Heavy rain will begin along coastal areas on Monday, spreading inland by Monday night. The heaviest rain totals and greatest flooding potential will be Tuesday and Wednesday.
Potential Tornado Impacts - There is a threat of at least a few tornadoes Monday night through Wednesday.
Board of County Commission Offices- Emergency Management staff are monitoring this situation throughout the day and evening.
- All BOCC offices will open for normal hours on Mon.
General Preparedness Information- Stay informed! Sign up for emergency alerts at www.AlertSantaRosa.com.
- Make sure you and your family have a plan for where you will go if evacuations are called for your home - and make sure your plan includes your pets.
- With the chance of tropical storm force winds, bring in or secure items which could blow away including lawn furniture, wind chimes, swings and bird feeders while it is not raining.
- Sand for sandbags is on a first-come, first-serve basis at the following locations:- The corner of Leisure St. and Citrus Dr. in Navarre
- Tiger Point Park in Gulf Breeze - Pace Fire-Rescue in Pace - The corner of Pine Forest Rd. and Carroll Rd. in Milton Any sand that is out will be replaced on Monday.
For current weather events, visit www.weather.gov/mob. For information on preparing for disasters, visit www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency. Santa Rosa County School District- A decision on potential school closures for Mon. and/or Tues. will be made after this evening's briefing. Parents will be notified by the school district.
Gulf Islands National Seashore- Opal Beach will close today, Sat., Sept. 12, at 5 pm ahead of the approaching storm and remain closed until further notice.
- Superintendent Dan Brown said, "Our number one priority during extreme weather events is to provide for the safety of park visitors and staff, and in this case the most appropriate action is to close these areas.”
- Highway 399, J. Earle Bowden Way will close at 7:30 p.m. Sun.
- Park staff will assess conditions once the weather passes and throughout the next few days and announce updates as appropriate.
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