Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Central Walton, Including Red Bay

Residents in Central Walton, including Red Bay, must immediately prepare for dangerous wind and potential flooding as a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Tallahassee FL, effective October 8 at 8:01 AM EDT. This warning remains in effect until 4:15 PM EDT.

A Flood Watch is also in effect, with 3-6 inches of rain expected, and locally higher amounts. Emergency plans should include the potential for major flooding, and 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. Additionally, the situation is favorable for several tornadoes, some potentially intense. Listen for tornado watches and warnings and be ready to shelter quickly.

Peak wind forecasts are 20-30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, but the potential exists for winds of 58 to 73 mph. Efforts to protect life and property should now be underway. Secure loose objects, prepare for significant wind damage, and complete all preparations before hazardous winds arrive. Some damage to roofing, siding, mobile homes, and trees is possible, along with scattered power and communications outages. Roads may become impassable due to debris. There is little to no threat of storm surge flooding, though rough surf and rip currents are possible.

For more information and updates, visit the NWS Tallahassee website at weather.gov/tallahassee, the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org, and Walton County Emergency Management at co.walton.fl.us/1063/Emergency-Management.