Seek Shelter: Strong Thunderstorm Threatens Central Walton, Washington, Bay Counties

Residents in Central Walton, Washington, Inland Bay, South Walton, and Coastal Bay counties are advised to seek shelter indoors as a strong thunderstorm approaches. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee, FL, issued a Special Weather Statement at 9:23 PM EDT/8:23 PM CDT on September 20, 2026, indicating wind gusts up to 40 mph are possible.

Doppler radar at 9:23 PM EDT/8:23 PM CDT detected a strong thunderstorm 13 miles north of Panama City Beach, moving southwest at 15 mph. Gusty winds accompanying this storm could dislodge tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.

Areas expected to be impacted include Panama City Beach, Ebro, West Bay, Inlet Beach, Seminole Hills, Gulf Resort Beach, Seaside, Point Washington, Bruce, Pine Log, Sunnyside, Bunker, Laird, Laguna Beach, Grayton Beach, Hollywood Beach, Seagrove Beach, and Bid-a-Wee.

This Special Weather Statement is effective immediately and is set to expire at 10:00 PM UTC (6:00 PM EDT/5:00 PM CDT) on September 20, 2026. If you are outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building for your safety.