Life-Threatening Storm Surge Warning Issued for Coastal Wakulla

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for Coastal Wakulla, including Saint Marks and Panacea, beginning October 7 at 11:00 PM EDT. The National Weather Service (NWS) Tallahassee has issued an "Extreme" severity warning for immediate action due to the danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the coastline within the next 36 hours. This warning expires on October 8, 2026, at 7:00 AM UTC.

Residents in coastal Wakulla are urged to complete all evacuation efforts and flood preparations as conditions are expected to become unsafe. Life-threatening storm surge inundation of 4-6 feet above ground is possible in surge-prone areas, with a window of concern from Friday morning until Saturday morning. If evacuation orders are given for your area, leave immediately to avoid being cut off from emergency services.

In addition to the storm surge, Coastal Wakulla is under a Tropical Storm Warning. While peak winds are forecast at 10-20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, residents should remain vigilant. An additional 2-4 inches of rainfall, with locally higher amounts, is expected, posing a potential for moderate flooding. Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain, and residents in flood-vulnerable areas should consider protective actions. Heed any flood watches and warnings.

There is also a potential for a few tornadoes. Keep informed should additional weather alerts be needed, and if a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.

For more information, visit NWS Tallahassee, Florida Division of Emergency Management, or Wakulla County Emergency Management.