Subtropical Storm Alberto Update #1

Essential Information

• The National Hurricane Center has begun issuing advisories on Subtropical Storm Alberto, which formed over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea this morning and is expected to approach the north-central Gulf Coast on Monday.
• Other than rainfall, Escambia County likely will not see impacts from Alberto until late Sunday or early Monday. 
• 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.
• Escambia County has declared a Local State of Emergency in an abundance of caution. This is an administrative action to ensure that state resources are available if needed. The Local State of Emergency was signed by District 1 Commissioner and Chairman Jeff Bergosh and is effective at 5 p.m. today.
• Scattered to numerous showers and storms are possible tonight, which could produce brief strong wind gusts and frequent lightning in some areas.
• The National Weather Service is emphasizing the rip current dangers associated with this storm, which are already present and could linger for days afterward. In Escambia County, it is illegal to enter the Gulf of Mexico when red flags are flying. Dangerous rip currents can also be present in yellow flag conditions. Learn more here.
• NWS also urges residents not to underestimate the rainfall and flooding threats. Do not focus strictly on the storm track or wind speeds. 
• Alberto is forecast to potentially bring dangerous rip currents, heavy rainfall and flooding, including potentially life-threatening flash floods.

Storm Information Forecast by the National Weather Service in Mobile for Saturday, May 26 through Tuesday, May 29

• Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches, with localized higher amounts
• Moderate to major flooding along area rivers and creeks
• Widespread flash flooding 
• Life-threatening rip currents through Monday night
• High surf of 5-plus feet Saturday afternoon through Tuesday evening
• Coastal flooding of 2-4 feet above ground level along low-lying areas of the coast, bays and sounds during periods of high tide

• High Surf Advisory in effect from 1 p.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Tuesday 
• Coastal Flood Watch in effect from Saturday afternoon through Tuesday evening 
• Flash Flood Watch in effect from Saturday evening through Tuesday evening 

Road Closures

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.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

• Fort Pickens day use will end at noon Saturday. The Fort Pickens gate will be locked at 5 p.m. Saturday, and all campers and day users must be out of the park.
• Opal Beach complex/ picnic area day use will end at noon Saturday, and gates will be closed and locked at 5 p.m.
• Park officials will keep an eye on Highway 399 between Navarre and Pensacola beach for possible closure. Watery battery barrels are in place on side of road if a closure is needed. 

Office Closures

• Escambia County Animal Services, ECAT and West Florida Public Libraries will be open on Saturday, May 25 for normal operating hours.
• Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, Escambia County Property Appraiser, Escambia County Tax Collector, Escambia County Area Transit administrative offices, Escambia County Supervisor of Elections office, Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller's office, Escambia County Animal Shelter, West Florida Public Libraries (All locations) will be closed on Monday, May 28 for Memorial Day. Normal operations will resume Tuesday, May 29.

•  At this time, all University of West Florida locations are scheduled to remain open on Tuesday, May 29. University officials will continue to monitor the storm and update the campus community, as conditions change.

Sand Bags 

Escambia County is offering sand for sand bags for residents living in flood-prone areas. The sand is available on a first come, first served basis. Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels to one of the following locations (map):

• Baars Field Athletic Park - 13001 Sorrento Road
• Brent Athletic Park - 4711 N. W St.
• Don Sutton Park - 2320 Crabtree Church Road
• Equestrian Center - 7750 Mobile Highway
• Escambia County Road Department - 601 Highway 297-A
• Ferry Pass Middle School - 8355 Yancey Lane, sand will be on the northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street
• John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park - 555 E. Nine Mile Road 
• Travis M. Nelson Park -  4541 County Road 4

Preparation Tips 

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 three to 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.