Storm Surge Warning Issued for Coastal Taylor, Evacuations Advised

A Storm Surge Warning has been issued for Coastal Taylor, including Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee, by the National Weather Service (NWS) Tallahassee FL, effective October 8 at 8:01 AM EDT. This alert indicates an immediate and extreme threat of life-threatening storm surge.

Residents in surge-prone areas should prepare for 4-6 feet above ground inundation, with the window of concern from Friday morning until Saturday morning. Evacuation efforts and flood preparations must be completed immediately as conditions may become unsafe. If evacuation orders are given for your area, leave immediately to avoid being cut off from emergency services.

Significant impacts are possible, including damage to buildings, washed-out coastal roads, major beach erosion, and damage to marinas. While wind is expected to remain below tropical storm force (10-20 mph with gusts to 30 mph), conditions may be gusty. Local officials are currently assessing realized wind impacts.

Additional rainfall of 1-3 inches is forecast, with potential for moderate flooding. Emergency plans should include the possibility of evacuations and rescues. Heed any flood watches and warnings. A few tornadoes are also possible; if a tornado warning is issued, shelter quickly.

For more information, visit NWS Tallahassee at weather.gov/tallahassee, the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org, and Taylor County Emergency Management at taylorcountyem.com.