Emergency Operations Information

Official Orders

EOC activated at Level 2 (partial activation) beginning 12:00 a.m. Jan. 9, 2024

6:30 a.m. - NWS - Tornado Warning until 7 a.m. for portions of Okaloosa County.

______

5:30 a.m. Jan. 9

🔴NWS (Weather.gov/mob): Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 6:30 AM CST
The main line of storms is now entering Florida, moving East. Very quick tornadic spinups have occurred in this system with 70MPH straight-line winds embedded in the line. We’re hoping that the line is East of Okaloosa County by 7:30-8AM. Take appropriate precautions now.

Per OCSO as of 5:43 a.m. Hwy 285 is back open.

Per OCSO: Hwy 285 at State Road 293 completely shut down for road debris from the storm.

2:45 a.m.

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Mobile AL
233 AM CST Tue Jan 9 2024
The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Northern Okaloosa County in northwestern Florida...
Southeastern Santa Rosa County in northwestern Florida...
* Until 300 AM CST.
* At 232 AM CST, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 6 miles north of Oriole Beach, or 9 miles south of
Bagdad, moving northeast at 65 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
damage is likely.
* This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
northern Okaloosa and southeastern Santa Rosa Counties.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 3049 8710 3100 8673 3099 8639 3083 8639
3042 8701
TIME...MOT...LOC 0832Z 227DEG 57KT 3047 8705
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
$$
MM

Jan. 8, 2024 (9:06 p.m)

🌪️A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi until 7 AM CST 01.09.2024.

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Jan. 8, 2024 ( 2:30 p.m.)

Okaloosa County will be activating the Emergency Operations Center at midnight, Jan. 9, 2024, to a modified Level 2 (partial activation) in preparation for potential severe weather that is forecast to impact the County. Emergency Management staff will be monitoring the storm system that is expected to bring sustained winds of 25-30 mph with possible gusts above 70 mph.

Additionally, County administrative offices will be opening on a delayed start on Tuesday, January 9, to ensure the safety of employees during potentially hazardous conditions in the morning. Departments deploying essential personnel will follow a schedule set by the Department Director to maintain continuity of operations.

The main line of storms is expected to arrive between 6- 7 a.m. on Tuesday and clear by 9 a.m. Heavy rainfall of 2-3 inches is forecast with the possibility of tornadoes.

Residents are encouraged to take this system seriously and make preparations that include securing loose debris around the home, having multiple ways to stay informed, and being prepared for the possibility of power outages.

The latest local severe weather information from the County can be found on social media at https://www.facebook.com/OkaloosaCounty/ or on the County’s EOC website at https://myokaloosa.com/eoc/home

 

Severe weather resources include:

National Weather Service in Mobile: https://www.weather.gov/mob/

Sign up for severe weather alerts: https://alertokaloosa.com/    

Disaster supply checklist: https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hurricane-supply-checklist/

Click HERE to sign up for local alerts | DOWNLOAD the Hurricane Guide


 


FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR ALERTS


 

 


For more information on how to prepare, CLICK HERE to download our hurricane guide. 

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Closures


No closures.

The following closures have been announced for Okaloosa County:

Additional Closures

Shelter Information

Shelter Location Opening Type
Davidson Middle** Crestview No Shelter's open at this time 10/08/2018 - 8:00pm

*Pet Friendly
**Special Needs / Pets

Note - pets are not kept with populace and are kept separately.

See also: Shelter Information for directions and addressess.

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