The National Weather Service in Mobile is predicting severe weather conditions beginning late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning. Santa Rosa County has been placed under a moderate risk (level 4 out of 5) for severe weather.
Main possible threats:
- Considerable wind damage with wind gusts up to 80 mph.
- Fast-moving, embedded tornadoes – a strong tornado (EF2+) cannot be ruled out.
- Strong winds (gusts possibly as high as 50 55 mph) are expected ahead of the line of thunderstorms during the day Wednesday into Wednesday night. A Wind Advisory is in effect.
- Coastal flooding likely, especially in and around Mobile Bay, Wednesday evening.
- Dangerous high surf will impact area beaches Wednesday and Thursday.
- 1-3” of rain with locally higher amounts possible. Localized flash flooding possible.
Prepare now. Make sure all family members know the plan.
- Have multiple ways of receiving alerts. This cannot be stressed strongly enough.
- Every home should have a NOAA weather radio, the first line of defense before relying on alerts through a smartphone.
- Smartphone weather apps are also an excellent delivery source of severe weather information and other disaster updates – especially in the overnight hours. The National Weather Service app is available at www.weather.gov/wrn/mobile-phone. Santa Rosa County’s alert app – AlertSantaRosa.com – provides updates on emergency incidents (hazardous materials as well as severe weather) in the county at addresses of your choice (work, school, home, etc).
- Be sure that you have not disabled your alerts on your phone and that it is fully charged and within reach. If you use the “Do Not Disturb” feature on your phone at night, turn it off so that any emergency calls may come through.
- Have a kit with supplies ready to go when a tornado warning is issued. Suggested items to include are:
- A bike helmet or some form of head protection for each family member.
- A flashlight or electric lantern.
- Charged cell phone power bank.
- A whistle or air horn in the event you are trapped under debris.
- First aid kit.
- Know where you will go (interior rooms, basement – never a car or mobile home) if a tornado warning is issued and don’t forget your pets!
For more information on how to be prepared for any kind of disaster, visit www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency.
