TROPICAL STORM WARNING EXTENDED INLAND FOR PORTIONS OF THE PANHANDLE AND SOUTHEAST ALABAMA

Matt Boster

Viewed: 2203

Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Sep 15 2020 10:29 AM

NEW INFORMATION 
--------------- 
 
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: 
- A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Central Walton, 
Coffee, Geneva, Holmes, Inland Bay, North Walton, and Washington 
 
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: 
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Central Walton, 
Coastal Bay, Coastal Gulf, Coffee, Geneva, Holmes, Inland Bay, 
North Walton, South Walton, and Washington 
 
* STORM INFORMATION: 
- About 170 miles west-southwest of Panama City or about 200 
miles west-southwest of Apalachicola 
- 29.1N 88.2W 
- Storm Intensity 85 mph 
- Movement Northwest or 315 degrees at 2 mph 
SITUATION OVERVIEW 
------------------ 
The forecast track for Hurricane Sally has shifted further east. The result of this is 
an increase to the already significant forecast rain amounts as well as an increase in 
the probability of Tropical Storm force winds impacting some inland locations across 
the Panhandle and southeast Alabama. 
By far, the greatest threat Sally poses to the local area is the potential for flash flooding. 
Current forecast rain amounts through tomorrow night are 10-15 inches with isolated higher 
amounts possibly exceeding 20 inches. Areas that have the greatest potential of realizing 
these values are west of the Apalachicola river, and primarily from Bay county to Dale county 
and points west. 
As far as the wind threat is concerned, Tropical Storm force winds sustained and/or frequent 
gusts are increasingly likely across portions of the Panhandle and extreme southeast Alabama. 
Tropical storm force winds could begin as early as late tonight and may linger into Wednesday 
night. 
A few tornadoes will also be possible as rain bands move ashore, and a tornado watch is in 
effect through at least the daytime hours today. At this time minor coastal flooding is possible 
across the Panhandle and Big Bend, however, impacts from storm surge appear to be minimal at this 
time. 
POTENTIAL IMPACTS 
----------------- 
 
* FLOODING RAIN: 
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible 
extensive impacts across southeast Alabama and portions of the Florida Panhandle. 
Potential impacts include: 
- Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. 
- Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in 
multiple places. Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become 
dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become 
stressed. 
- Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple 
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed 
away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. 
Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with 
underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. 
Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. 
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible limited 
to significant impacts across the remainder of the Panhandle and Big Bend 
as well as across southwest and south-central Georgia. 
 
* WIND: 
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts 
across portions of the Panhandle and southeast Alabama . Potential impacts in this 
area include: 
- Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage 
to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings 
experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile 
homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight 
objects become dangerous projectiles. 
- Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater 
numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several 
fences and roadway signs blown over. 
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban 
or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access 
routes impassable. 
- Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent 
in areas with above ground lines. 
Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts 
across eastern portions of southeast Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, as well 
as across portions of the Big Bend and southwest Georgia. 
 
* TORNADOES: 
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts 
across eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern 
Alabama and southwestern Georgia. Potential impacts include: 
- The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution 
of emergency plans during tropical events. 
- A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power 
and communications disruptions. 
- Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys 
toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, 
large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees 
knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats 
pulled from moorings. 
 
* SURGE: 
Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited 
impacts across the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend. Potential impacts in 
this area include: 
- Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along 
immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas 
farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore. 
- Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread 
with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where 
surge water covers the road. 
- Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly 
in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents. 
- Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, 
and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings. 
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS 
---------------------------------- 
 
* EVACUATIONS: 
Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, 
including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. 
For those not under evacuation orders, assess the risk from wind, 
falling trees, and flooding at your location. If you decide to move, 
relocate to a safer location nearby. If you do not relocate, help keep 
roadways open for those under evacuation orders. 
 
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: 
If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city in which 
you are staying and the name of the county in which it resides. 
Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay attention for 
instructions from local authorities. 
Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone 
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded 
roadway. Remember, turn around don`t drown! 
If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter 
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not 
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter 
options. 
Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets 
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes 
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather 
warnings. 
 
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: 
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov 
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org 
NEXT UPDATE 
----------- 
The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather 
Service in Tallahassee FL around 5 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions 
warrant.

<- back