According to the
National Hurricane Center, there is a high chance of 90L developing into a subtropical or tropical depression in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico this weekend. However, it
is still too early to determine what direct impacts the system might have on Escambia County and Northwest Florida, but heavy rain and dangerous rip currents are expected. Escambia County Emergency Management is closely monitoring this system, and staff are on call to respond as needed. Residents are urged to do the same by
monitoring our local media for the most up-to-date forecasts several times a day.
The current impacts forecast by the
National Weather Service in Mobile for Saturday, May 26 through Tuesday, May 29 include:
- Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches, with localized higher amounts
- Widespread flash flooding
- Threat of isolated tornadoes
- Storm surge of 1-3 feet
- Possible flooding for rivers and creeks
At this time is too early to say if any storm shelters or road closures will be needed. County staff and law enforcement will monitor and close roads for flooding and bridges for safety at sustained (not gusts) wind speeds of 39 mph or greater for each specific bridge location. Any closures will be posted on the Escambia County Emergency Management Facebook, and residents can also check for local road closures from the following sources:
- Check for Escambia County road closures 24/7 at www.myescambia.com/roadissuesmap.
- City of Pensacola road closures can be viewed here.
- For the latest closures and updates, travelers can access Florida's 511 service from cell phones, landlines and online at www.FL511.com.
As June 1 is the beginning of hurricane season, residents should take the time now to double check their storm supplies and preparations so that if and when a confirmed threat develops, they are ready. The key to reducing the stress and impact on your family is to prepare by having a plan, getting a kit and staying informed:
Review or make a family plan. This includes:
- Knowing your evacuation zone is one of the most important hurricane preparation steps you can take. It is very important that you look up your evacuation zone each year to find out if and when you should evacuate, even if you have looked it up in the past, as zones can change. Most importantly, don’t rely on previous storm experience. Just because you weathered the last storm, doesn’t mean you will weather this one.Look up your address online at myescambia.com/knowyourzone.
- Know where you will go. If you live in an evacuation zone, know where you will go and how you will get there. Will you go to a friend or relative’s home, a hotel, or as a last resort, a public shelter? It is always easier to go tens of miles, not hundreds. Find a list of shelters, including special needs and pet-friendly, here.
- Have a communication plan. Plan now how you will contact one another and where you will meet.
- Plan for those with special needs. Make arrangements in advance to accommodate those in your family with special needs like the elderly, children and pets. Always have at least an extra 3-10 days stock of medical supplies, medication and any other special items you may need.
- Understand Watch vs. Warning, the hurricane cone and what steps you need to take when. Learn more by clicking here.
- Take photos of important documents and your valuables. Save these to a secure cloud site, thumb drive or keep on your mobile device.
Get a kit - Your disaster kit should have at least three days of nonperishable food and three gallons of water for each person and pet in your home, along with other supplies. Click here to see our latest disaster guide shopping list.
Stay informed - A tropical system can develop very quickly. Be sure you take time every day to monitor the local media. Escambia County also has several tools available for our residents. Learn more here. Monitor local media and legitimate online and social media sources like Escambia County Emergency Management, US National Weather Service Mobile, NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center and Florida SERT.
Prep your yard - As we are entering hurricane season, it is also recommended that residents take a few minutes to inspect their home and yard. Check for, fix or remove loose items on your home and sheds. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and down spouts. Trim trees and shrubs around your home.
