TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As impacts from the severe storm and flooding event continue throughout the Florida Panhandle, Floridians are urged to use caution. Some areas of the state have experienced extreme rainfall during this storm and flooding remains the main concern for Florida’s emergency management officials. Rain will continue to fall across much of the Florida Panhandle through the day with the main threat being heavy downpours, frequent lightning, gusty winds, and isolated tornadoes. Floridians are encouraged to use caution when driving, and should never drive through flooded roadways.
As of 3 pm EDT
- Severe Weather Potential: A high threat for flash flooding remains for the rest of today. While scattered showers and storms will persist throughout the day, the areas of heaviest rain will slowly shift east, but persisting across much of the Big Bend and Suwannee River Valley through tonight.
- Flash Flood Warning: All or portions of Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Jackson, Okaloosa, Walton, Washington counties.
- Flash Flood Watch: Portions of Bay, Calhoun, Gadsden, Gulf, Franklin, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Walton, Washington, Wakulla counties.
- Flash Flood Emergency until 3 pm EDT in Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa counties.
- River Flood Warning: Apalachicola, Shoal, St. Marks, Aucilla, Suwannee, Chipola, Choctawhatchee, Big Coldwater Creek, Blackwater, Escambia, Santa Fe rivers.
- High risk of rip currents: High rip current risk remains in effect through this evening for the beaches of the Big Bend and Panhandle. Rip currents can be life threatening to anyone entering the water. Be sure to check beach warning flags before swimming.
Florida Summary:
- Florida’s State Emergency Operations Center has partially activated to in response to flooding in the Florida Panhandle.
- It remains important for Floridians to stay cognizant of the developing weather situation and take necessary preparedness and safety actions. Tips are available at www.FloridaDisaster.org.
- Shelters are open in four counties – Bay, Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa. Visithttp://floridadisaster.org/shelters/summary.htm for details.
- Schools are closed in nine counties - Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, Washington.
- State road and bridge closures: Bay, Escambia, Holmes Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, Washington counties. Visit to www.dot.state.fl.us and FL511.com for more information.
- Government closures: Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
For local details, contact your county emergency management agency.
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