Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Coastal Jefferson County

A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Coastal Jefferson County, effective immediately as of October 8 at 5:22 PM EDT, by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Tallahassee, FL. This warning highlights multiple severe threats, including life-threatening storm surge, major flooding rain, and the potential for tornadoes.

Residents in Coastal Jefferson County should prioritize safety actions. A life-threatening storm surge of 4-6 feet above ground is possible, 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. Evacuation efforts and flood preparations should be completed before conditions become unsafe.

A Flood Watch is in effect, with an additional 6-10 inches of rain expected, and locally higher amounts possible, posing a major flooding risk. Emergency plans must include potential for major flooding from heavy rain, and evacuations and rescues are likely. Heed any flood watches and warnings, as failure to take action could result in serious injury or loss of life.

The situation is also favorable for several tornadoes. If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. Wind speeds are expected to be 20-30 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Listen for instructions from local officials and ensure emergency readiness should the forecast change.

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