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Essential Information
- The National Hurricane Center is estimating that Tropical Storm Gordon will track northwest and make landfall along the north central Gulf Coast Tuesday night. Our area will see impacts as early as midday Tuesday with conditions deteriorating through the evening.
- Gordon is forecast to be a minimal hurricane at landfall.
- There is still a lot of uncertainty in the specific the track of Tropical Storm Gordon and the direct impacts it might have on Escambia County and Northwest Florida, but according to the National Weather Service in Mobile tropical storm force winds in coastal areas tropical storm force gusts inland, flash flood conditions, isolated tornadoes and deadly 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 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.
Storm Information Forecast by the National Weather Service in Mobile for Tuesday, Sept. 4 through Wednesday, Sept. 5:
- Rainfall amounts of 2-5 inches, with localized higher amounts up to 6-10 inches possible
- Widespread flash flooding
- Life-threatening rip currents
- Possibility storm surge of 2-4 feet
Current advisories from NWS Mobile for Escambia County
- Tropical Storm Warning
- Flash Flood Watch
- Storm Surge Watch
Schools
- Escambia County Schools will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 4.
- All UWF locations will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018, effective midnight tonight. This includes all classes, events, campus activities and online courses.
Office Closures
- Escambia County offices including Animal Services, ECAT and West Florida Public Libraries are currently scheduled to be open on Tuesday, Sept. 4 for normal operating hours.
- City of Pensacola offices are currently scheduled to be open Tuesday, Sept. 4 for normal operating hours.
Sand Bags
Escambia County is offering sand for sand bags for residents living in flood-prone areas. The sand will be available at 9 a.m. and distributed 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
When laid properly, sand bags can be an effective tool for flooding from a rain event, but not for storm surge. For more information on how to make and use sandbags, visit the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (www.flash.org). Sand bags can be purchased at most local hardware or home improvement stores, typically for a low cost.
At 9 a.m. tomorrow morning, sandbags will be available at these locations.
Road Closures
In the event that standing water makes a road impassable or there are sustained winds (NOT gusts) of 39 mph making a bridge unsafe, the specific location will be announced as soon as it occurs. Online resources include:
- 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.
