Tropical Storm Warning for Coastal Gulf: Evacuate, Prepare for Severe Impacts

Coastal Gulf residents, including Port Saint Joe and Cape San Blas, are under a Tropical Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service Tallahassee FL at 11:05 PM EDT on October 8. This warning is effective immediately and expires at 3:15 AM EDT on October 9.

Immediate action is required due to severe threats. If evacuation orders are issued for your area, leave immediately. All remaining efforts to protect property should be completed as soon as possible. Move to safe shelter before hazardous winds arrive.

Forecasts indicate equivalent Tropical Storm force winds of 30-40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph, expected from early Friday afternoon until early Saturday morning. Potential impacts include limited damage to structures, downed tree limbs, and scattered power outages. Hazardous driving conditions are possible on bridges and elevated roadways.

Life-threatening storm surge of 4-7 feet above ground is possible through Saturday morning. Evacuation efforts should be completed before driving conditions become unsafe. Extensive damage to buildings, roads, and significant beach erosion are anticipated. Major rainfall of an additional 4-8 inches, with locally higher amounts, may lead to major flooding, prompting evacuations and rescues. Rivers and tributaries may overflow, and many structures could become uninhabitable. A Flood Watch is in effect.

A favorable situation for several tornadoes is also present. Residents in manufactured homes or on boats are urged to relocate to safe shelter. Listen for tornado watches and warnings and be ready to shelter quickly. The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder emergency plans. For more information, visit NWS Tallahassee, Florida Division of Emergency Management, and Gulf County Emergency Management.