Extreme Storm Surge Warning for Santa Rosa Coastal: Shelter Immediately

SANTA ROSA COASTAL, FL – October 9, 2026 – The National Weather Service (NWS) Mobile, AL has issued an Extreme Storm Surge Warning for Santa Rosa Coastal, effective immediately at 6:53 PM CDT. This warning impacts Bagdad, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre.

Residents are advised to shelter immediately from life-threatening wind and storm surge. Hurricane force winds of 65-85 mph with gusts up to 115 mph are expected until late this evening, with tropical storm force winds continuing until early Saturday morning. Wind damage could be catastrophic. Now is the time to shelter from life-threatening wind; be ready to move to the safest place inside your shelter if necessary.

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 storm surge flooding. Remain sheltered in a safe location. Do not venture outside, and move to upper floors to escape rising water if necessary.

A Flood Watch is in effect, with an additional 2-4 inches of rain expected, potentially leading to major flooding and prompting evacuations. The situation is also favorable for several tornadoes, with significant impacts possible, including damage to homes and power outages. Stay informed within your shelter and move quickly to the safest place 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 surge threat graphics, visit www.weather.gov/mob. This warning expires October 10, 2026, at 3:00 AM UTC (10:00 PM CDT).