Subtropical Storm Alberto Update #2

(Newest information is highlighted) 

Essential Information

• A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Escambia County. 
• Alberto is forecast to strengthen as it moves northward over the Gulf of Mexico. Alberto is currently forecast to make landfall either very late on Monday night or very early Tuesday morning. By Sunday, heavy rain will begin overspreading into the region from the south and east, with the rain continuing through Tuesday. Isolated, brief tornadoes are possible on Monday. The most likely arrival time of the tropical storm force winds is early Monday. However, the coast could see tropical storm force winds as early as Sunday afternoon/evening. This system will be SLOW to move out of the area and the rain will linger through at least Tuesday.
• Escambia County Emergency Management will activate at a level 1, or full staffing, at noon, Sunday, May 27.
• Escambia County has declared a Local State of Emergency in an abundance of caution. Declaring a local state of emergency is an administrative action and allows the county to make formal requests to the state and FEMA for assistance if needed. The Local State of Emergency was signed by District 1 Commissioner and Chairman Jeff Bergosh and is effective at 5 p.m. Friday, May 25.
  
  
• The $1 toll on the Bob Sikes Toll Plaza to Pensacola Beach will be suspended starting at noon, Sunday, May 27 until further notice. 

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

• A prolonged period of very heavy rainfall is expected with 6-12" of rain  possible (higher amounts possible in areas where storms repeatedly move across).

• Coastal water rises late today through late Monday (peaking near the time of landfall). Water levels of 2-4 feet above normally dry ground are expected.

• High Risk of Rip Currents continues through at least early next week.  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.

• High surf of 5-9 feet will begin late Saturday afternoon and will likely increase to 12-16 feet by Monday.

• Do not to underestimate heavy rainfall and flooding, including potentially life-threatening flash floods. Do not focus strictly on the storm track or wind speeds. 

• A Tropical Storm Watch
• A Storm Surge Watch 
• Flash Flood Watch

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.

Office Closures

• 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

Gulf Islands National Seashore

• The Fort Pickens and Opal Beach Complex gates will be locked at 5 p.m. Saturday, and all campers and day users must be out of the park.
• Park officials will keep an eye on Highway 399 between Navarre and Pensacola beach for possible closure.

Preparation Tips 

• 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. 

• 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.
  
  
• 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.