Hurricane & Storm Surge Watches Issued for Coastal Bay, Gulf, and South Walton
Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches have been issued for coastal Bay, Gulf, and South Walton counties as Tropical Storm Isaias strengthens, with conditions expected to deteriorate by Friday morning.
Residents in coastal Bay, Gulf, and South Walton counties are urged to finalize hurricane preparations immediately as the National Weather Service (NWS) Tallahassee has issued Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches. These watches are in effect as of October 7, 2026, 11:27 AM EDT, and are expected to be updated by 5 PM EDT today.
Tropical Storm Isaias is strengthening in the Bay of Campeche and is forecast to move towards the central Gulf Coast. Conditions could begin to deteriorate as early as Friday morning across the Panhandle. Coastal Franklin, Jefferson, and Wakulla counties are under a Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch, while coastal Dixie and Taylor counties are under a Storm Surge Watch.
Life-threatening rainfall flooding is expected across the FL Panhandle, with 3 to 6 inches of rain anticipated and isolated amounts up to 10 inches possible. This could lead to evacuations and rescues. Dangerous storm surge is also expected along the entire coastline, with inundation values of 5 to 7 feet above ground level possible from the coastal Panhandle to Indian Pass.
The NWS advises checking emergency plans and supply kits. Follow advice from local officials regarding evacuations. Monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio, and local news outlets for updates. Secure outdoor property as soon as possible before conditions worsen. Inform friends and family of your plans and whereabouts.
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