Significant Severe Weather Threat Through Tonight
A PDS tornado watch has not been called for Santa Rosa County, which is in the slightand enhanced risk area at this time, but do not focus on the precise risk level as the threat for significant severe weather is expected across the entire region. Tornadoes, damaging straight-line winds and hail (possibly large) are all potential threats. Widespread flooding is not associated with this system. Supercells are possible this afternoon with a break in the action (possibly) this evening before the squall line pushes across the area. Residents are advised to monitor news broadcasts for evolving situations.
“We do not see many PDS watches in our area and they have not as of yet called one for our county, but we do ask that you pay special attention today,” said Public Safety Director Brad Baker. “Make sure you have multiple ways of receiving alerts, that you have a plan to go to a safe place in the event of a tornado warning and that your plan includes family members as well as your pets.”
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, a 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 of you tonight. 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 clothes and shoes set near your bed tonight if you need to dress quickly.
- 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 airhorn 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 called and don’t forget your pets!
Additional information on COVID testing and vaccination sites:
- COVID testing sites do not anticipate closing early or opening late.
- Vaccine sites will close at 3 today, and do not anticipate opening late tomorrow.
