Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Coastal Franklin; Prepare Now

A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Coastal Franklin by the National Weather Service (NWS) Tallahassee FL, effective immediately as of October 8 at 5:03 AM EDT. This warning affects Apalachicola, Eastpoint, Carrabelle, and Alligator Point. Residents in these areas should act now to complete preparations.

Peak winds are forecast between 20-30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, with potential for sustained winds of 39 to 57 mph. Damage to outdoor structures and significant tree limb breakage are possible. A life-threatening storm surge of 4-6 feet above ground is possible from Friday morning until Saturday morning. Evacuation efforts and flood preparations should be completed soon. Leave immediately if evacuation orders are given for your area.

A Flood Watch is in effect, with an additional 3-6 inches of rain expected, leading to potential major flooding. Rivers may overflow, and roads could become impassable. Furthermore, the situation is favorable for several tornadoes, some potentially intense. Listen for tornado watches and warnings and be ready to shelter quickly if issued. Those in manufactured homes or on boats should relocate to safe shelter. This warning is set to expire at 1:15 PM UTC today. For more information, visit NWS Tallahassee, Florida Division of Emergency Management, or Franklin County Emergency Management.