Storm Surge Watch Issued for Coastal Dixie: Prepare for Life-Threatening Flooding

A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for Coastal Dixie, including Horseshoe Beach and Suwannee, effective immediately. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Tallahassee, FL, issued this severe alert today, October 7, at 4:52 PM EDT. Life-threatening storm surge inundation of 2 to 4 feet above ground is possible from Friday morning until Saturday morning.

Residents in affected areas should prepare for significant impacts, including potential damage to buildings near the coast, weakened or washed-out escape routes, major beach erosion, and damage to marinas and docks. If evacuation orders are issued for your area, you must leave immediately. Failure to heed evacuation orders may result in loss of life. Assemble disaster supplies and know your evacuation route now.

In addition to storm surge, expect 1-3 inches of rainfall, with localized higher amounts, which could lead to localized flooding. While winds are forecast to remain below tropical storm force (10-15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph), conditions may still be gusty. Tornadoes are not expected. This alert is effective until October 8, 2026, at 1:00 AM UTC.

For more information, visit the NWS Tallahassee website at weather.gov/tallahassee, the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org, or Dixie County Emergency Management at dixieemergency.com.