Storm Surge Watch Issued for Santa Rosa Coastal: Prepare for Life-Threatening Conditions

A Storm Surge Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Mobile, AL, for Santa Rosa Coastal, affecting Bagdad, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre. This alert, issued today, October 7, at 4:03 PM CDT, warns of severe, life-threatening conditions beginning Friday afternoon and continuing through early Saturday morning. Residents in these areas should rigorously prepare and follow all safety instructions.

The NWS forecasts potential hurricane-force winds of 75-95 mph with gusts up to 115 mph. Expect extensive damage, including considerable roof damage, mobile home destruction, widespread tree damage, impassable roads due to debris, and large areas with power and communication outages. Efforts to protect life and property should be rigorously underway, and preparations must be completed before winds become hazardous.

Life-threatening storm surge of 4-7 feet above ground is possible, with a window of concern from Friday morning until Saturday morning. Evacuation preparations should be underway, and residents should assemble disaster supplies and know their evacuation routes. If evacuation orders are given for your area, you must leave immediately. Failure to heed evacuation orders may result in loss of life.

In addition, major flooding from 4-8 inches of rain is anticipated, with emergency plans needing to account for potential evacuations and rescues. The situation is also somewhat favorable for a few tornadoes. For evacuation and shelter information, contact Santa Rosa County EMA at 850-983-5360 or visit www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency. For storm surge threat graphics and other storm impacts, visit www.weather.gov/mob.