Tropical Storm Warning for Inland Gulf, Wewahitchka: Act Now!

A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Inland Gulf, specifically impacting Wewahitchka, effective immediately by the National Weather Service (NWS) Tallahassee FL. This warning, issued October 8 at 11:06 AM EDT, urges residents to complete all preparations before hazardous winds begin.

Forecasters anticipate peak winds of 15-25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, posing a potential for winds reaching 39 to 57 mph. Property protection efforts should be underway now, as limited damage to porches, awnings, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes is possible. Expect many large tree limbs to break and scattered power and communication outages. Driving conditions may become hazardous on elevated roadways and some roads could become impassable due to debris.

While storm surge is not forecast, a Flood Watch is in effect, with an additional 3-6 inches of rain expected, potentially leading to major flooding. Emergency plans must include preparations for significant flooding, likely prompting evacuations and rescues. Heed all flood watches and warnings; failure to act could result in serious injury or loss of life. Rivers, streams, and creeks may rapidly overflow, and floodwaters could enter many structures, making some uninhabitable. Many road and bridge closures are anticipated.

A favorable situation for several tornadoes, some potentially intense, is also present. Those in manufactured homes or on boats should relocate to safe shelter. Listen for tornado watches and warnings and be ready to shelter quickly if a warning is issued. Tornadoes can cause significant damage, power loss, and communication failures. The warning is effective until October 8, 2026, 7:15 PM UTC.

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