Escambia County has been placed under a Tropical Storm Watch for Tropical Storm Sally, and county officials are encouraging residents to closely monitor weather conditions over the next 72 hours.
According to the National Weather Service of Mobile heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, flash flood conditions, high surf and deadly rip currents are expected through early next week. Gusts up to 40 mph are likely Monday evening through Tuesday morning and rainfall of 6-12 inches is expected through Wednesday.
Escambia County Emergency Management is closely monitoring this system, including participating in weather conference calls with the National Weather Service and state. Residents are urged to do the same by monitoring our local media for the most up-to-date forecasts several times a day.
Residents are encouraged to prepare their disaster kits now, which should include seven days of food and water supplies for after the storm arrives. Residents are also encouraged to fuel all vehicles and generators, and prepare all medications needed by family and pets. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time. Remember, this year's disaster kit might need to look a little different if you're planning to go to a shelter—make sure to include face coverings, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
Sand is still available at the following locations:
- Baars Field Athletic Park - 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola
- Brent Athletic Park - 4711 N. W St., Pensacola
- Don Sutton Park - 2320 Crabtree Church Road, Molino
- Equestrian Center - 7750 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
- Escambia County Road Department - 601 Highway 297-A, Pensacola
- Ferry Pass Middle School - 8355 Yancey Lane, Pensacola, sand will be on the northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street
- John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park - 555 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola
- Travis M. Nelson Park - 4541 County Road 4, Pensacola
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. View map of sand locations here.
Follow These Tips to Prepare for a Storm
- Know Your Zone – Go to BeReadyEscambia.com to find out which evacuation zone you are in. Sign up for alerts on BeReadyEscambia.com.
- Know Your Home – Is it newly built – possibly rated for a hurricane? Your safest place may be at home rather than a shelter due to COVID-19. Shelters will be announced later and will have masks and hand sanitizer.
- Know Your Plan – plan ahead to stay with loved ones, friends or stay at a hotel away from the area.
Follow these tips to stay safe during severe weather:
- Pay extra attention to local weather reports until the storm has moved through the area. Be sure to keep your weather radio on and your cell phone charged to ensure you can receive weather alerts.
- With the possibility of high winds, it is recommended that any lightweight outside furniture or equipment be secured before Monday evening.
- Organizations with planned outside activities during the weekend need to be weather aware and take the appropriate actions.
For the latest information on severe weather impacting Escambia County, residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts on myescambia.com, like Escambia County Emergency Management on Facebook and follow @BeReadyEscambia on Twitter.
Tips to maintain COVID-19 best practices while sheltering during severe weather:
Stay informed with these additional local resources: