Extreme Storm Surge Warning for Okaloosa Coastal Areas

A Storm Surge Warning has been issued for Okaloosa Coastal areas, including Destin, Eglin AFB, and Fort Walton Beach, by the National Weather Service (NWS) Mobile, AL. This extreme alert is effective immediately, as of October 9 at 9:49 PM CDT, and expires October 10 at 6:00 AM UTC.

Life-threatening storm surge of 6-9 feet above ground is possible through Saturday morning. All ordered evacuations should be complete, and evacuees should be in shelters well away from storm surge flooding. Residents who did not evacuate should remain sheltered in a safe location and move to upper floors to escape rising water if necessary.

Hurricane-force winds, with peak gusts up to 115 mph, are expected through the next few hours. The NWS advises planning for extreme wind of equivalent Category 3 hurricane force or higher. Now is the time to shelter from life-threatening wind. Be ready to move to the safest place inside your shelter if necessary, as catastrophic wind damage is anticipated.

A Flood Watch is in effect, with an additional 1 inch of rainfall expected. Major flooding from heavy rain is likely, prompting potential evacuations and rescues. Heed any flood watches and warnings.

The tornado threat has decreased, but a few isolated tornadoes are still possible. Stay within your shelter and move quickly to the safest place if a tornado warning is issued. For evacuation and shelter information, contact Okaloosa County EMA at 850-651-7150 or visit myokaloosa.com/emergency-management. For storm surge threat graphics and other storm impacts, visit www.weather.gov/mob.