Storm Surge Watch Issued for Coastal Dixie: Evacuations Advised

Coastal Dixie residents, particularly those in Horseshoe Beach and Suwannee, are under a Storm Surge Watch issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Tallahassee FL, effective October 8 at 5:03 AM EDT. Life-threatening storm surge of 2-4 feet above ground is possible from Friday morning until Saturday morning.

Immediate evacuation efforts and flood preparations should be completed before conditions become unsafe. If evacuation orders are issued for your area, leave immediately to avoid being cut off from emergency services or needlessly risking lives.

Significant potential impacts include widespread inundation with storm surge flooding, damage to buildings near the coast, and sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads becoming washed out. Major beach erosion, heavy surf, and strong rip currents are also expected. Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers is possible.

In addition to storm surge, expect 1-3 inches of rainfall, with localized higher amounts, which could lead to localized flooding. Heed any flood watches and warnings. Wind speeds are forecast to remain below tropical storm force, with gusts up to 30 mph, and tornadoes are not expected.

Monitor local weather conditions and forecasts from NWS Tallahassee at weather.gov/tallahassee, and information from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org and Dixie County Emergency Management at dixieemergency.com.