Extreme Storm Surge Warning for Santa Rosa Coastal: Shelter Immediately

SANTA ROSA COASTAL, FL – October 9, 2026 – An Extreme Storm Surge Warning is in effect for Santa Rosa Coastal, including Bagdad, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre, issued by NWS Mobile, AL at 10:00 AM CDT. This warning is immediate and critical, advising residents to shelter from life-threatening conditions.

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 surge flooding. Remain sheltered in a safe location; do not venture outside. If necessary, move to upper floors to escape rising water.

Hurricane-force winds of 65-85 mph with gusts to 120 mph are expected from early this evening until early Saturday morning, with a potential for winds greater than 110 mph. Residents must shelter from life-threatening wind now. Be ready to move to the safest place inside your shelter. Tropical Storm force winds are expected until early Saturday morning.

A Flood Watch is in effect, with additional rainfall of 4-8 inches, and locally higher amounts, posing a major flooding risk. Evacuations and rescues are likely. Heed any flood watches and warnings; failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life. There is also a significant potential for several tornadoes; stay within your shelter and be informed of the latest tornado situation. Move quickly to the safest place within your shelter if a tornado warning is issued.

For evacuation and shelter information, contact Santa Rosa County EMA at 850-983-5360 or visit www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency. For storm graphics and impacts, visit www.weather.gov/mob. This warning expires at 6:00 PM UTC today.