Escambia County Encourages Residents to Monitor Severe Weather

Escambia County is monitoring a high flood risk today, Thursday, June 18, with additional rainfall expected to continue through Friday, June 19. Residents are encouraged to monitor the risk and have multiple ways to receive weather updates.

The National Weather Service of Mobile has issued a High Risk for excessive rainfall today for Escambia County, which is a rare designation issued by the Weather Prediction Center when numerous flash flooding events are expected, including the potential for life-threatening flooding. Rounds of heavy rainfall will affect the area through Friday, June 19, with a Flood Watch remaining in effect through Friday evening.

Escambia County is also under a Tornado Watch through 5 p.m. today, Thursday, June 18. Widespread flash flooding may lead to numerous roads flooded, closed, or washed out. Additional threats include isolated tornadoes and damaging wind gusts.

Visit MyEscambia.com/beready for flooding safety information and tornado safety information.

Key Messages from National Weather Service:

• Particularly dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding today.
• Multiple rounds of showers and storms capable of producing torrential rainfall are expected through Friday and may linger into Saturday.
• Rainfall totals of around 6-12 inches are most likely through Friday with locally higher amounts of 15+ inches possible, especially in high risk areas.
• Considerable flooding likely with catastrophic flooding possible.
  

• Timing
  • Rounds of heavy rainfall will continue to impact the area through at least Friday afternoon.
  • The greatest threat of life-threatening flash flooding exists today.
• Actions
  • Stay weather aware and be ready to take urgent action if Flash Flood Warnings are issued, particularly wireless emergency alert flash flood warnings or considerable and/or catastrophic flooding.
  • Never drive through flooded roadways. Remember: Turn around, don't drown!

Rip Currents

All Escambia County beaches are at a High Risk of rip currents continuing into Saturday, June 20. Double red flags are currently flying, which means swimming and wading in the Gulf are prohibited. Life-threatening rip currents are expected during this time, and the surf will be dangerous for all levels of swimmers. For daily flag conditions, visit the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards page on MyEscambia.com or the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Facebook.

Click here for rip current safety information.

County Preparedness Actions:

• Escambia County Emergency Management staff are actively monitoring 24/7 throughout this event.
• Sand has been made available for the public at multiple locations throughout the county. Click here for details.
• County staff are actively monitoring problem creeks and rivers.

Residents are encouraged to remain weather aware and continue monitoring the forecast for updates. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive warnings and know your safe place ahead of time. 

For more information, monitor the local media and legitimate online and social media sources like Escambia County Emergency Management and US National Weather Service Mobile. 

More information on what to do before, during and after a storm is available online at MyEscambia.com/BeReady. For the latest news and updates on emergencies impacting the community, like Escambia County Emergency Management on Facebook and follow @EscambiaBeReady on Instagram.