Escambia County Emergency Management is closely monitoring the potential for tropical development in the western Gulf of Mexico later this week. A tropical disturbance over the Bay of Campeche in the far southern Gulf of Mexico this morning is expected to gradually become better organized by the end of this week and lift north across the western Gulf of Mexico. A tropical depression is likely to form late Thursday or Friday. This tropical disturbance currently has a HIGH Chance (90%) of becoming a tropical depression. While it is still too soon to determine the exact track and eventual strength of this system, it is increasingly possible that there will be some impacts along our portion of the Gulf Coast. Regardless of development, a HIGH RISK of rip currents is expected by Friday, with the potential for very heavy rain, high surf and minor coastal flooding over the weekend.
Below are the most likely impacts for our local area:
Possible Impact #1:
- WHAT? Dangerous Rip Currents and High Surf are becoming increasingly likely.
- WHERE? Local area beaches of coastal Alabama and the western Florida Panhandle.
- WHEN? Beginning Friday and continuing through the weekend.
Possible Impact #2:
- WHAT? Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding is possible.
- WHERE? The entire area, but especially southeast Mississippi and southwest Alabama. Potential also there for south central Alabama and the western Florida Panhandle.
- WHEN? This weekend.
Possible Impact #3:
- WHAT? Minor Coastal Flooding is possible.
- WHERE? Along the coast, especially in the normally minor flood prone locations.
- WHEN? Saturday and Sunday.
"Escambia County Emergency Management would like residents to prepare now for possible flooding and rip currents with this system," said Interim Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. "This is the first threat of severe weather this hurricane season so this is the perfect time to make your plans and preparations now to stay safe."
Sand is 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 serve basis. Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels to one of the following locations. View map of sand locations here.
Flooding Safety Tips
- With possible flooding forecast for our area, please do not drive into hazardous flood water and remember to Turn Around Don't Drown®. Follow these flood safety tips:
- Get to higher ground – Get out of areas subject to flooding.
- Do not drive into water – Do not drive or walk into flooded areas. It only takes 6" of water to knock you off your feet and 2 feet of water to carry away a vehicle.
- Stay informed – Monitor local radar, television, weather radio, internet or social media for updates.
Water Safety Tips
Storm Preparation Actions You Can Take Now
- Review/make your family plan. Need help? Read more on how to care for your family here.
- Know your zone. Look up your address online here. You can search by address or parcel number and then look for the “Emergency Management Report.” The address function is self-populating, so type slowly and then choose the address from the drop down list.
- Restock your disaster kit supplies/get a kit. Your disaster kit should have at least seven 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 kit shopping list. Residents are also encouraged to 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 must go to a shelter—make sure to include face coverings, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
- Prep your yard. As we are entering the height of 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.
- Stay informed. Things can change 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, and NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center.
- We are not expecting widespread power outages with this system; however, now is the perfect time to be sure to follow proper operation rules to keep you and your family safe. Learn more about general safety and usage guidelines for generators at bit.ly/3ozTLTX.
More information on what to do before, during and after a storm is available online at
BeReadyEscambia.com. You can also follow
@BeReadyEscambia on Twitter and like
Escambia County Emergency Management on Facebook for the latest news and updates on emergencies impacting our community.
