Urgent: Storm Surge Warning Issued for Coastal Franklin

A Storm Surge Warning has been issued for Coastal Franklin, effective immediately, by the National Weather Service (NWS) Tallahassee FL. This warning, issued October 8 at 5:22 PM EDT, includes Apalachicola, Eastpoint, Carrabelle, and Alligator Point. Life-threatening storm surge flooding of 4-6 feet above ground is possible from Friday morning until Saturday morning.

Residents in surge-prone areas should complete evacuation efforts and flood preparations now. If evacuation orders are given for your area, leave immediately to avoid being cut off from emergency services. Significant impacts are expected, including damage to coastal buildings, weakened or washed-out escape routes, major beach erosion, and damage to marinas and docks.

In addition to the storm surge, hazardous winds of 25-35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are forecast. Prepare for limited wind damage and secure loose objects. A Flood Watch is also in effect, with potential for major flooding from 4-8 inches of rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely; heed all flood watches and warnings. The NWS also indicates a potential for several tornadoes; listen for tornado watches and warnings and be ready to shelter quickly. This alert expires October 9, 2026, at 1:30 AM UTC. For more information, visit the NWS Tallahassee website, Florida Division of Emergency Management, or Franklin County Emergency Management.