URGENT: Life-Threatening Storm Surge and Tornado Threat for Coastal Franklin

Coastal Franklin residents, including Apalachicola, Eastpoint, Carrabelle, and Alligator Point, are under a Storm Surge Warning issued by NWS Tallahassee FL as of October 8 at 11:06 AM EDT. This warning signifies an immediate, extreme threat of life-threatening storm surge and the potential for significant impacts from wind, flooding rain, and tornadoes.

A life-threatening storm surge of 4-6 feet above ground is possible from Friday morning until Saturday morning. Evacuation efforts and flood preparations must be completed now. If evacuation orders are given for your area, leave immediately to avoid being cut off from emergency services. This storm surge can cause significant damage to buildings, wash out roads, and lead to major beach erosion.

Hazardous winds of 25-35 mph with gusts to 45 mph are expected, with potential for scattered power outages and limited property damage. Prepare for these winds now. Additionally, a Flood Watch is in effect, with 3-6 inches of rain expected, potentially causing major flooding, evacuations, and rescues. Heed all flood watches and warnings.

A significant tornado threat is also present, with the potential for several tornadoes, some possibly intense. Those in manufactured homes or on boats should relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather arrives. Listen for tornado watches and warnings and be ready to shelter quickly. This alert is effective until October 8 at 7:15 PM UTC. For more information, visit NWS Tallahassee at weather.gov/tallahassee, Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org, or Franklin County Emergency Management at franklinemergencymanagement.com.