Tropical Storm Warning Update from Escambia County

A Tropical Storm is expected to form later today or tonight prior to landfall in southeast Louisiana. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for coastal AL coastal areas of the western Florida Panhandle. Potential for minimal tropical storm force winds (mainly in gusts of 40-50 mph) along the coast. Flooding and life threatening surf/rip currents are the primary threats with this system. 

Escambia County Emergency Management is taking preparatory actions by up-staffing Public Safety for the next 36 hours. If flooding occurs residents should take pictures of flood water lines on their residences for documentation as soon as its safe to do so. Please use the county's new self reporting tool to report flood or wind damage to your residence or business for documentation purposes only.

"Escambia County Emergency Management would like to continue to remind residents to prepare now for possible flooding and rip currents with this system," said Interim Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. "Additionally, we would like visitors to take the red flag warning seriously and stay out of the water due to possible life-threatening rip currents. Please listen to the local lifeguards and officials to remain safe."

For safety purposes, the Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) has canceled the Pensacola Beach Island Trolley services on Friday, June 18, and Saturday, June 19. 

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

• Red flags are flying - DO NOT GO IN THE WATER TO SWIM OR WADE - The water is closed to swimmers.
• Check before you go and follow the posted beach condition flag warnings. Watch our lifeguards explain the flag system on Pensacola Beach. Beach conditions can be checked at PensacolaBeachLifeguards.com and on the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Facebook page.
• Know how to escape from a rip current. Watch our rip current video and learn how to break the grip of the rip, which can pull even the strongest swimmer out to sea. 

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.