Extreme Storm Surge Warning for Santa Rosa Coastal: Shelter Immediately

SANTA ROSA COASTAL, FL – October 9, 2026 – An Extreme Storm Surge Warning is in immediate effect for Santa Rosa Coastal, including Bagdad, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre, issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Mobile AL at 1:02 PM CDT. This warning is critical for residents in these areas, effective until 9:15 PM UTC today.

Life-threatening storm surge with potential inundation 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. Residents must remain sheltered in a safe location and not venture outside. If necessary, move to upper floors to escape rising water.

Hurricane-force winds of 65-85 mph with gusts to 95 mph are expected from early this evening until early Saturday morning, with potential for winds greater than 110 mph. Residents must shelter from life-threatening wind now and be ready to move to the safest place inside their shelter. Catastrophic wind damage is expected.

A Flood Watch is in effect, with an additional 4-8 inches of rain expected, and locally higher amounts. Emergency plans should include the potential for major flooding; evacuations and rescues are likely. Heed all flood watches and warnings. A Tornado Watch is also in effect, with a favorable situation for several tornadoes. Stay within your shelter, remain informed, 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 and other storm impacts, visit www.weather.gov/mob.