4:22 AM
— 1:00 PM
* WHAT...Easterly to southerly winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to
50 kt and seas 12 to 17 ft. Strongest winds will occur over the
open Gulf waters.
* WHERE...Portions of the coastal waters of Alabama and
northwest Florida.
* WHEN...Tropical Storm force winds will remain possible through
the morning.
* IMPACTS...Tropical storm force winds and hazardous seas will
capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
4:04 AM
— 12:15 PM
* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
- Destin
- Eglin AFB
- Fort Walton Beach
* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 35 mph
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Wind less than 39 mph
- The wind threat has decreased from the previous assessment.
- PLAN: The sustained wind should remain less than tropical
storm force. Conditions may still be gusty.
- PREPARE: Listen for any instructions from local officials.
- ACT: Ensure emergency readiness should the forecast change.
- REALIZED IMPACTS: Being Assessed
- Little to no additional wind impacts expected. Community
officials are now assessing the extent of actual wind
impacts accordingly.
* STORM SURGE
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Localized storm surge possible
- Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 1-3 feet
above ground somewhere within surge prone areas
- Window of concern: through Thursday morning
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm
surge flooding greater than 1 foot above ground
- The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Shelter against storm surge flooding greater than 1
foot above ground.
- PREPARE: All flood preparations should be complete. Expect
flooding of low-lying roads and property.
- ACT: Stay away from storm surge prone areas. Continue to
follow the instructions of local officials.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding
- Potential impacts from the main surge event are unfolding.
* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional around 1 inch
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Little or no
potential for flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has decreased from the previous
assessment.
- PLAN: There is little or no potential for flooding rain.
- PREPARE: Little to no preparations are needed to protect
against flooding rain at this time.
- ACT: Monitor for changes to the forecast.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None
- Little to no potential impacts from flooding rain.
* TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Situation is unfavorable for tornadoes
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Tornadoes not expected
- The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Tornadoes are not expected. Showers and thunderstorms
with gusty winds may still occur.
- PREPARE: Little to no preparations needed to protect
against tornadoes at this time. Keep informed of the latest
tornado situation.
- ACT: Listen for changes in the forecast.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None
- Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes.
* FOR MORE INFORMATION:
- For evacuation and shelter information, please refer to:
- Okaloosa County EMA: 850-651-7150 or myokaloosa.com/emergency-management
- For storm surge threat graphics and other storm impacts:
- NWS Mobile: www.weather.gov/mob
4:24 AM
— 5:00 PM
* WHAT...For the High Surf Warning, dangerously large breaking
waves of 8 to 12 feet in the surf zone. For the Coastal Flood
Advisory, minor coastal flooding. For the High Rip Current
Risk, dangerous rip currents.
* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal
Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and
Okaloosa Coastal Counties.
* WHEN...For the High Surf Warning, until 6 AM CDT Thursday. For
the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 10 AM CDT Thursday. For the
High Rip Current Risk, through late Thursday night.
* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only
isolated road closures expected. Breaking waves can sweep
people off jetties and docks, and into dangerous seas. Life-
threatening swimming conditions and significant beach erosion
can be expected. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers
away from shore into deeper water.
4:24 AM
— 5:00 PM
* WHAT...For the High Surf Warning, dangerously large breaking
waves of 8 to 12 feet in the surf zone. For the Coastal Flood
Advisory, minor coastal flooding. For the High Rip Current
Risk, dangerous rip currents.
* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal
Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and
Okaloosa Coastal Counties.
* WHEN...For the High Surf Warning, until 6 AM CDT Thursday. For
the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 10 AM CDT Thursday. For the
High Rip Current Risk, through late Thursday night.
* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only
isolated road closures expected. Breaking waves can sweep
people off jetties and docks, and into dangerous seas. Life-
threatening swimming conditions and significant beach erosion
can be expected. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers
away from shore into deeper water.
4:19 AM
— 12:30 PM
HLSMOB
This product covers portions of southwest Alabama...northwest Florida...south
central Alabama...and inland southeast Mississippi.
**COASTAL AND OFFSHORE IMPACTS CONTINUE THIS MORNING AS BERTHA MOVES
WESTWARD**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Baldwin Central,
Baldwin Coastal, Escambia Coastal, Mobile Central, Mobile
Coastal, Okaloosa Coastal, and Santa Rosa Coastal
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 90 miles south of Mobile AL or about 100 miles southwest
of Pensacola FL
- 29.4N 88.3W
- Storm Intensity 50 mph
- Movement West or 270 degrees at 5 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
Tropical Storm Bertha is beginning to weaken and will move west of
the local area this morning. Tropical storm force wind gusts of 40 to
50 mph have been observed at times along the immediate coast and
additional tropical storm force gusts along the immediate coast are
possible over the next few hours.
Tide gauges in Pensacola Bay indicate that storm surge inundation of
around 2 ft is occurring, which will result in minor flooding issues
in typically flood prone areas. Similar minor coastal flooding is
possible in coastal Alabama and Mobile Bay this morning. Another round
of minor coastal flooding is also possible during high tide Thursday
morning due to the persistent and strong onshore flow in the wake of
Bertha.
Dangerous surf and beach conditions continue. A high risk of deadly
rip currents is in effect through Thursday night. A High Surf Warning
remains in effect due to surf of 8 to 11 feet along the Gulf beaches.
These large breaking waves will result in minor beach erosion, along
with flooding of vulnerable areas of the west end of Dauphin Island,
the Ft. Pickens area, and portions of Highway 399 between Pensacola
Beach and Navarre in the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
coastal Alabama and northwest Florida. Remain well away from locally hazardous
surge having limited impacts. If realized, these impacts 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.
Elsewhere across portions of southwest Alabama...northwest
Florida...south central Alabama...and inland southeast Mississippi.,
little to no impact is anticipated.
* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
Dangerous surf and beach conditions are expected. A high risk of deadly
rip currents continues through much of the week. Surf of 8-11 feet will
continue today.
* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
coastal Alabama and northwest Florida. Remain well sheltered from hazardous
wind having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.
Elsewhere across portions of southwest Alabama...northwest
Florida...south central Alabama...and inland southeast Mississippi.,
little to no impact is anticipated.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets
for official storm information. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive
weather warnings.
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For the latest detailed evacuation and shelter information...please
refer to your local emergency management agency at the phone number
or website listed below.
- Coastal Alabama:
- Baldwin County: 251-972-6807 or
www.baldwincountyal.gov/departments/EMA
- Mobile County: 251-460-8000 or mobilecountyema.gov
- Northwest Florida:
- Escambia County: 850-471-6400 or myescambia.com/beready
- Santa Rosa County: 850-983-5360 www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency
- Okaloosa County: 850-651-7150 or myokaloosa.com/emergency-management
- 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 Mobile AL around 10 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.
4:15 AM
— 12:15 PM
HLSTAE
This product covers eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend,
southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia
**BERTHA MOVING AWAY. TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS ARE CANCELLED.**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- All watches and warnings have been canceled
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 160 miles west-southwest of Panama City
- 29.4N 88.3W
- Storm Intensity 50 mph
- Movement West or 270 degrees at 5 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
...TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS HAVE ENDED AS BERTHA MOVES AWAY FROM THE
REGION...
At 4 AM CDT, the center of Tropical Storm Bertha was located about 165
miles west-southwest of Panama City. Bertha was moving to the west at
5 mph. This general motion away from the region will continue through
Thursday. Maximum sustained winds were near 50 mph.
As Bertha moves further from the eastern Panhandle and in the
direction of Louisiana, weather conditions along the coast will slowly
improve today. Lingering gusty squalls this morning will diminish
around midday. Lingering windy conditions are still expected.
Sustained winds along the coast near 25 mph are expected until this
afternoon, so a Wind Advisory is now in effect for coastal communities
along the Panhandle and Forgotten Coasts.
Ocean and surf conditions will be slower to improve. Very rough surf
will continue into Thursday morning. Substantial improvement in seas
over the open Gulf will finally get underway on Thursday. At the
beaches, life-threatening rip currents will continue through Friday.
Beachgoers should heed the advice of beach flags and plan to have fun
out of the water.
Minor coastal flooding is likely this morning during the high tide
cycle along the coast of Apalachee Bay west of the Aucilla River and
along the Florida Panhandle coast. 1 to 2 feet of inundation over
normally dry ground near the shoreline is expected around the time of
high tide. No additional coastal flooding is expected after the this
morning's high tide cycle.
Brief downpours through today may cause short-lived nuisance flooding
and ponding of water on roads, mainly over the Panhandle.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* SURGE:
Minor coastal flooding remains possible around the time of high tide
this morning along the Panhandle coast and the Forgotten Coast.
Normally dry ground near the shoreline may experience 1 to 2 feet of
inundation.
Elsewhere across eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend,
southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia, little to no impact is
anticipated.
* WIND:
Little additional impact is anticipated at this time across eastern
Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama and
southwestern Georgia.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Beachgoers should remain out of the water today due to dangerous surf
conditions.
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org
NEXT UPDATE
-----------
As it pertains to this event...this will be the last local statement
issued by the National Weather Service in Tallahassee FL regarding
the effects of tropical cyclone hazards upon the area.
4:00 AM
— 5:00 PM
* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts 30 to 40 mph.
* WHERE...Coastal Bay and South Walton Counties.
* WHEN...Until 5 PM CDT this afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
2:50 AM
— 1:00 PM
* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 4
to 9 feet in the surf zone. For the High Rip Current Risk,
dangerous rip currents. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor
coastal flooding.
* WHERE...South Walton, Coastal Bay and Coastal Gulf Counties.
* WHEN...For the High Surf Advisory, until 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/
Thursday. For the High Rip Current Risk, through late Friday
night. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 2 PM EDT /1 PM
CDT/ this afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only
isolated road closures expected. Dangerous swimming and
surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents
can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper
water.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Water levels will continue to remain
elevated this morning. The highest water levels are expected
between now and late morning. 1 to 2 feet of inundation of
normally dry ground is expected along the immediate coast.
4:24 AM
— 5:00 PM
* WHAT...For the High Surf Warning, dangerously large breaking
waves of 8 to 12 feet in the surf zone. For the Coastal Flood
Advisory, minor coastal flooding. For the High Rip Current
Risk, dangerous rip currents.
* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal
Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and
Okaloosa Coastal Counties.
* WHEN...For the High Surf Warning, until 6 AM CDT Thursday. For
the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 10 AM CDT Thursday. For the
High Rip Current Risk, through late Thursday night.
* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only
isolated road closures expected. Breaking waves can sweep
people off jetties and docks, and into dangerous seas. Life-
threatening swimming conditions and significant beach erosion
can be expected. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers
away from shore into deeper water.
4:05 AM
— 11:00 AM
* WHAT...South winds 25 to 30 kt with gusts near 35 kt, decreasing
this afternoon and evening. Seas 8 to 13 ft this morning,
subsiding below 7 feet late Thursday morning.
* WHERE...Offshore Gulf waters from the Walton-Okaloosa County
line to Apalachicola from 20 to 60 nautical miles out, Coastal
waters from Mexico Beach to Okaloosa Walton County Line FL out
20 NM, and Coastal waters from Mexico Beach to Apalachicola FL
out 20 NM.
* WHEN...Until 10 AM CDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS...A Small Craft Advisory means that wind speeds of 20
to 33 knots, or seas of 7 feet or greater, are expected to
produce hazardous conditions for small craft. These hazardous
conditions may result in poor vessel handling and steering
response, broaching, overturned dinghies and kayaks, slips and
falls on slippery decks, rub damage along docks and seawalls,
and dragging anchors.
2:50 AM
— 1:00 PM
* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 4
to 9 feet in the surf zone. For the High Rip Current Risk,
dangerous rip currents. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor
coastal flooding.
* WHERE...South Walton, Coastal Bay and Coastal Gulf Counties.
* WHEN...For the High Surf Advisory, until 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/
Thursday. For the High Rip Current Risk, through late Friday
night. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 2 PM EDT /1 PM
CDT/ this afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only
isolated road closures expected. Dangerous swimming and
surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents
can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper
water.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Water levels will continue to remain
elevated this morning. The highest water levels are expected
between now and late morning. 1 to 2 feet of inundation of
normally dry ground is expected along the immediate coast.
2:50 AM
— 1:00 PM
* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 4
to 9 feet in the surf zone. For the High Rip Current Risk,
dangerous rip currents. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor
coastal flooding.
* WHERE...South Walton, Coastal Bay and Coastal Gulf Counties.
* WHEN...For the High Surf Advisory, until 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/
Thursday. For the High Rip Current Risk, through late Friday
night. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 2 PM EDT /1 PM
CDT/ this afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only
isolated road closures expected. Dangerous swimming and
surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents
can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper
water.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Water levels will continue to remain
elevated this morning. The highest water levels are expected
between now and late morning. 1 to 2 feet of inundation of
normally dry ground is expected along the immediate coast.