New Information is Highlighted
Essential Information
- Escambia County Emergency Management is closely monitoring Hurricane Michael. The Emergency Operations Center is activating at a level 2, or partial activation, at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9.
- Residents are urged to monitor our local media for the most up-to-date forecasts several times throughout the day on Tuesday, Oct. 8
- There are currently NO evacuations ordered for Escambia County residents, no matter the location. However, conditions can change rapidly. It is vital that residents monitor our local media and follow any safety directives from Escambia County Emergency Management officials. Residents and visitors on Pensacola Beach or Perdido Key should pay particular attention as they would be the first to be asked to leave if an evacuation order is issued.
- A high risk of rip currents and high surf advisory are in effect for the northern Gulf Coast through at least Thursday. Red flags are flying on Pensacola Beach and are expected through Thursday. Red flags represent high surf and/or dangerous currents, and there is no swimming or wading in the Gulf of Mexico in red flag conditions. Only experienced surfers with a surfboard and leash are allowed to enter the Gulf. Surf heights will increase to 8-10 feet late tonight into Tuesday, increasing to 10-15 feet Tuesday night into Wednesday.
- The Escambia County Commission has declared a local state of emergency. Declaring a local state of emergency is a preemptive step that allows the county to make formal requests to the state and FEMA for assistance as needed if impacted by Hurricane Michael.
- All county offices will be open Tuesday, Oct. 9. No decision about Wednesday, Oct. 10 has yet been made.
- The tolls on Bobs Sikes Toll Bridge has been lifted by the governor until further notice.
Storm Information Forecast by the National Weather Service in Mobile for late Tuesday, Oct. 9 through Wednesday, Oct. 10:
- The forecast track for Michael has shifted westward this afternoon, and additional shifts to the west are possible.
- Landfall is forecast on Wednesday somewhere along the Florida Panhandle. Residents of Northwest Florida should prepare for the potential of a direct impact.
- Michael is forecast to intensify to a major, Category 3 hurricane prior to landfall.
- Tropical storm conditions could impact the coast by Tuesday evening, but most likely Wednesday morning.
Current advisories from NWS Mobile for Escambia County
- Hurricane Warning
- Storm Surge Watch
Schools, Colleges & Universities
Trash Service
- ECUA collections scheduled on Wednesday for the Perdido Key Area have been moved up to Tuesday, Oct. 9, in anticipation of bridge closures due to Hurricane Michael. Residents located on Perdido Key, south of the Theo Baars Bridge ONLY, are asked to place their yard waste, garbage and recycling cans out for collection by 5:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. Garbage and recycling cans will be collected by the same truck due to the expedited nature of this collection. Wednesday collections for ECUA Commercial sanitation customers on Perdido Key, south of the Theo Baars Bridge ONLY, will also be made on Tuesday. At this time, all other ECUA sanitation collections scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday remain on their normal schedule.
Court System
- First Judicial Circuit: All Escambia County courts will remain open. The First Judicial Circuit is closely monitoring Hurricane Michael and will announce any changes or additional information as soon as it becomes available.
Sand Bags
Escambia County is offering sand for sand bags for residents living in flood-prone areas. The sand will be available 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.
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.
Recreational Areas
- Gulf Islands National Seashore: The Fort Pickens, Perdido Key, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa areas will close tonight at their normal operating time, and will not reopen tomorrow, Oct. 9. All campers in the park’s Fort Pickens Campground have been ordered to evacuate by 7 p.m. tonight, Oct. 8. The Fort Barrancas and Naval Live Oaks Areas will remain on their normal operating schedules at this time, but their status may change with conditions.
- Blackwater Forestry Center: In anticipation of Hurricane Michael, the Florida Forest Service is shutting down its operations, offices, recreation and day-use areas in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties starting Tuesday, Oct. 9. The closure will last through close of business Thursday. All campgrounds, trails, swimming lakes, day-use areas and offices are included in this closure.
Storm Preparation Actions you can Take Now
Review or make a family plan. This includes steps like:
- Knowing your evacuation zone. 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 3-10 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 - During 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. Learn more here.
