Hurricane Sally 2020 Archive

November 19

11.19.20 - Reminder! The deadline for those affected by Hurricane Sally to apply for FEMA disaster assistance and to submit applications for physical damages to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is December 1.

Register for FEMA assistance by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov;

Downloading the FEMA App; or

Call 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel, you should provide FEMA with your phone number assigned to that service. More information: www.fema.gov/disaster/4564

Business owners, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help recover from losses not covered by insurance, grants or other services.

For additional information about SBA disaster loans, the loan application process, or for help completing the SBA application, visit SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email FOCE-Help@sba.gov to make an appointment for assistance over the phone. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339.

For in-person assistance with an SBA disaster loan, visit the Business Recovery Centers, open 7 days a week, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., at East Pensacola Heights Clubhouse, 3208 E. Gonzalez St., Pensacola, FL 32503; or Bridgeway Center, Building C, 205 Shell Ave., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.

For more information about Hurricane Sally recovery in Florida, visit the FEMA disaster webpage at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4564 or the Florida Division of Emergency Management webpage at https://www.floridadisaster.org/info/.

October 21

10.21.20 - New FEMA Informational Downloads - Be Aware of Fraud and Itendity Theft * $11 Million Milestone * FEMA Mobile Registration Centers * Non-Citizen Disaster Assistance * Citizenship Requirements for Federal Assistance 

October 20

10.20.20 - GOT YARD DEBRIS? If you live in the unincorporated county, this video will tell you (or a neighbor, or a friend) what to do with it. Mash the share button and help us get the word out! If you have yard debris - give Okaloosa County Solid Waste Division a call at (850)-651-7394 or go to our website, http://myokaloosa.com/pw/environmental/solid-waste for more info!

October 13

Florida residents who applied for assistance from FEMA after sustaining damage from Hurricane Sally will receive a letter from FEMA in the mail or via email. The letter will explain your application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds. Applicants may need to submit additional information for FEMA to continue to process an application. Examples of missing documentation may include:• Proof of insurance coverage • Settlement of insurance claims • Proof of identity • Proof of occupancy • Proof of ownership • Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster. If you have questions about your letter go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). DOWNLOAD RELEASE

October 8

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the opening of a second Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Fort Walton Beach on Oct. 13, to help businesses impacted by Hurricane Sally. SBA representatives at the BRC can provide information about disaster loans, answer questions and assist businesses in completing the SBA application. Okaloosa County Business Recovery Center at: Bridgeway Center, Building C; 205 Shell Ave.; Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. Opens: Tuesday, Oct. 13. Hours: Sunday-Saturday (7 days a week). 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (CST)

The SBA Business Recovery Center in Escambia County will be closed on Monday, Oct. 12 in observance of Columbus Day, and will resume its regular operations on Tuesday, Oct. 13. DOWNLOAD RELEASE

October 5

FEMA has opened a mobile registration center for Hurricane Sally survivors in Okaloosa County *Updated from Lovejoy location*10.19.20 to the following: Northwest Florida Fairgrounds: 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. It is not necessary to visit a center to register with FEMA. Disaster survivors with uninsured losses can also apply by:

• Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
• Downloading the FEMA App; or by
• Calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY).

Additional info and assistance after the storm has passed can be found HERE

October 2

FEMA has approved the State of Florida’s request for Individual Assistance in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton and Bay Counties in the aftermath of Hurricane Sally. With this announcement, families impacted by Hurricane Sally now have access to critical FEMA programs, including housing assistance, crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance, Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance, disaster legal services and case management. To apply, click HERE.* or Call the FEMA Helpline, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET, 7 days a week: 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) TTY 1-800-462-7585

* FEMA APPLICTION TIPS - Before you start your FEMA application, please have the information below and a pen and paper ready.

• Social Security Number - You, another adult member or minor child in your household must have a Social Security number. You or they must also be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien. If you don't have a Social Security number, read the article How do I apply for a new or replacement Social Security number card. You will get instructions on what to do and what documents you will need. Once you have your number, you may come back to DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA at one of the phone numbers above to apply.
• Insurance Information - Describe the type(s) of insurance coverage you have. This could include coverage under policies like homeowners, flood, automobile, or mobile home insurance.
• Damage Information - Describe the damage caused by the disaster. Include the type of disaster (like flood, hurricane, or earthquake) and the type of dwelling or vehicle (like a condo, mobile home or house, or a car or truck).
• Financial Information - Provide your total annual household income, before taxes, at the time of the disaster.
• Contact Information - Provide the address and phone number of the property where the damage occurred and the address and phone number of where we can reach you now.
• Direct Deposit Information (optional) - If approved, we can deposit your funds directly into your bank account. You just need to provide the following banking information: Bank name | Type of account (like checking or savings) | Routing number | Account number

September 28-30

Updated 9.30.20 CrowderGulf, the storm-debris removal contractor for unincorporated Okaloosa County, began last week in the north end of the county. They are working their way south and expect the process, based on current progress and demand, to continue for the next two weeks. Waste Management will continue picking up weekly containerized yard waste as CrowderGulf moves through the storm debris removal. We have set up a storm debris removal hotline for questions, comments and concerns at 850.293.2854. Download the full release HERE.

9.28.20 Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering disaster assistance to small businesses and most nonprofits in our area, who were affected by Hurricane Sally. After the Presidential disaster declaration for several counties in Alabama, adjacent counties in Florida also became eligible for assistance, including Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa. The SBA is strongly committed to getting businesses and communities up and running again and so a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center/Business Recovery Center has been established. Find out more HERE. Register and start an application for Disaster Loan Assistance online HERE. Additional Resources, include the SBA News Release, Fact Sheet and Flyer.

September 25

9.25.20 We've just updated our Hurricane Sally Assistance Page found HERE with a new resource and data on just how much damage has been reported across Northwest Florida from Hurricane Sally. Damage Assessment Map --> http://bit.ly/2S0mmCUSallyDisasterMap A direct download of details on how to apply for immediate assistance from the American Red Cross can be found HERE.

9.25.20 The survey for storm-related damages is still live. We encourage everyone in Okaloosa who sustained damage from Hurricane Sally, whether it's structure damage, damage to roofs, trees, fences, etc. - to please fill out this quick survey and upload photos. It's quick and easy on a mobile device. This data will help speed the process of acquiring State and Federal aid for the citizens of Okaloosa County. Report damage here: http://bit.ly/3cAa8ubSallyDamageSurvey

September 23

Have a special need now that the storm clouds have rolled out, high tides are drying out and the rivers are receding? Visit:bit.ly/32Vb7lDAssistanceAfterTheStorm to find out more about helpful resources available, including Crisis Cleanup, Red Cross Assistance, Catholic Charities Outreach and the Panhandle Helpline.

September 22

9.22.20 - Chief Mike Schwartz gives us a rundown of what to expect at the Okaloosa County Points of Distribution (PODs) for disaster supplies. 

September 21

09.21.20 HURRICANE SALLY DEBRIS COLLECTION - If you're in the Okaloosa County franchise area for household waste, there will be a scheduled storm debris pickup starting Wednesday, September 23. Click HERE for guidance on the process. Please be sure that the debris and yard waste is placed on the curb before Wednesday so that it can be removed. County residents outside the franchise area should contact their trash service provider for information. More on Okaloosa County Trash Pickup at myokaloosa.com/pw/environmental/solid-waste

09.21.20 - ECUA Recycling facilities Damage - Recycling Update:

September 19-20

Opening of Points of Distribution of Relief Supplies: Niceville – Okaloosa County will begin the distribution of relief supplies beginning at Sunday at the following sites: Residents South of the Eglin AFB Reservation may go to the Fort Walton Beach Fairgrounds near the Farmers Market facility at 1958 Lewis Turner BLVD in Fort Walton Beach beginning at 10 am to pick up Blue Roofs/Tarps to assist with damage mitigation of any roof damage. Additionally, beginning on Monday, Flood Clean Up Kits and bottled water will be available. Residents North of the Eglin AFB Reservation may go to the Old Spanish Trail Park on Stillwell BLVD in Crestview beginning at 10 am to pick up Blue Roofs/Tarps to assist with damage mitigation of any roof damage. Additionally, beginning on Monday, Flood Clean Up Kits and bottled water will be available. Please be aware that distribution will be until all resources are given out for the day and that resources are arriving as quickly are they can be delivered to us from the State and other sources. This may cause disruptions in distributing resources while supplies last for each shipment. Additional information will be released as it becomes available throughout the Weekend and a Citizens Information Line will begin operations on Monday morning to provide recovery information and information from agencies across the County able to assist residents with unmet needs.

September 18

09.18.20 Road Closure Update* - We're keeping an updated list of road closures, damage and/or obstructions. Click here for details https://bit.ly/3iEwME8RoadClosures for the latest file of affected roadways. We will update this list regularly. Click here for a map of affected roadways: http://arcg.is/afCX4 Remember to sign up for local alerts at http://bit.ly/3ksJhmtAlerts IF YOU MUST TRAVEL AND SEE STANDING WATER ON A ROAD, TURN AROUND - DON'T DROWN. Shoal, Yellow, and Blackwater Rivers are an ever-changing situation because of Sally's rainwater runoff from north to south. The Shoal River Bridge closures on I-10, 85 and HWY 90 are also an ever-changing situation but the above closure link will update with the most current information.

09.18.20 Follow our GUIDE to make collecting yard debris as efficient as possible and stay tuned for additional updates. County residents outside the franchise area should contact their municipality or other service provider for information.

09.18.20 Recycling Update- make sure to tune in on Monday, September 21st, for the Facebook live @3 p.m. Decisions regarding the interim plan will be available next week.

09.18.20 Once the hazardous weather has moved out, the post-storm recovery and cleanup phase begins. We've compiled a list of basic safety tips! http://bit.ly/3hKm0uuPostStormSafety

09.18.20 - City of Ft. Walton Sewage Spill: 

09.18.20 We're still getting quite a few questions about power outages. We know Gulf Power Company Crews are working hard. Here's a link to the current status: https://map.gulfpower.com/. Kudos to those restoring our power. More than 33,000 restored so far, just in Okaloosa County. Thank you for your service!

09.18.20 Double Red Flags are flying at all city operated beach parks and will remain in effect until further notice. Please stay out of the gulf. 

09.18.20 Roads Update - We're keeping an updated list of road closures, damage and/or obstructions. Click here for details: https://bit.ly/3iEwME8RoadClosures and the latest file of affected roadways. We will update this list regularly. Click here for a map of affected roadways:  http://arcg.is/afCX4 Remember to sign up for local alerts at http://bit.ly/3ksJhmtAlerts  IF YOU MUST TRAVEL AND SEE STANDING WATER ON A ROAD, TURN AROUND - DON'T DROWN. Shoal, Yellow, and Blackwater Rivers are an ever-changing situation because of Sally's rainwater runoff from north to south. The Shoal River Bridge closures on I-10, 85 and HWY 90 are also an ever-changing situation but the above closure link will update with the most current information.

September 17

09.17.20 Heavy rains and the loss of power from Hurricane Sally have resulted in several sanitary sewer overflows in Okaloosa County's West Service Area in unincorporated Mary Esther. According to Okaloosa Water and Sewer, the majority of the west's 26 lift stations, located along U.S. Highway 98, between Hurlburt Field and the Santa Rosa County line were submerged during Sally's move onshore. Water contaminated with wastewater presents health hazards and for your safety, do not enter the water at this time. If contact is made with contaminated water wash thoroughly. Please stay tuned to Okaloosa County social media channels for further updates as testing is completed. Please note that this does not affect drinking water.For additional information visit http://bit.ly/2RFmJm4SSO

09.17.20 NORTH OKALOOSA COUNTY CURFEW: A curfew is in place for North Okaloosa County beginning at 10 PM this evening, through 6 AM tomorrow morning, September 18, 2020. This one-night curfew is in place to ensure the safety of our county while road damage is assessed and risks associated with flooded roads can be avoided.The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office will NOT be ticketing people going to and from work. 

09.17.20 Rover Flood Update 

09.17.20 Morning PIO Update: 

September 16

09.16.20 - OKALOOSA COUNTY CURFEW - A curfew is in place for Okaloosa County beginning at 9 PM this evening, through 6 AM tomorrow morning, September 17, 2020. This one-night curfew is in place to ensure the safety of our county while road damage is assessed and risks can be mitigated, prior to normal traffic-flow. View Emergency Curfew Order. 

09.16.20 - Curfew Live Announcement 

9.16.20 1 PM - The 1pm advisory has downgraded Sally to a Tropical Storm. The Hurricane Warning for our area has been canceled and replaced with a tropical storm warning. https://member.everbridge.net/892807736724689/weather/vDnnnh5pu. - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: EQUIVALENT TROPICAL STORM FORCE WIND - PEAK WIND FORECAST: 45-55 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 70 MPH - WINDOW FOR TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS: UNTIL EARLY THURSDAY MORNING. Additionally, we have learned that Okaloosa County Schools will remain closed Thursday, September 17.

9.16.20 11 AM - It’s been a busy few days and we hope that our friends, family and neighbors in Okaloosa County are faring well on this 3rd day of Sally. Here are some general Hurricane Sally Okaloosa County Updates: - Real-time Okaloosa County Emergency Management Updates: https://alertokaloosa.com - For real-time alerts and updates on road closures: https://member.everbridge.net/892807736724689/login - For a list of road closures updated manually by Okaloosa County Public Information: https://okaloosacounty.wixsite.com/website-1/post/okaloosa-county-road-closures-due-to-hurricane-sally - For up to the minute storm updates https://www.nhc.noaa.gov - For reporting storm damage: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/8ce4fbeca4a34dc58a12d40bdd4866f1 - For the hurricane guide - Including what to expect AFTER the storm: http://www.myokaloosa.com/sites/default/files/users/piouser/Hurricane%20Guide%202020-3%20.pdf

9.16.20 - Quick follow an update about Okaloosa County transit operation schedules 

09.16.20 - PIO update at the Emergency Operations Command Center 

09.16.20 - Niceville– Okaloosa County has set up a series of collection and information points throughout the county. At these points, residents and visitors will be able to get information and/or be transported to the shelter in Niceville by Okaloosa County Transit Buses. .THESE AREAS WILL BE STAFFED BY EMERGENCY MEDICAL PERSONNEL FROM OKALOOSA EMS. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THEM FROM THE FLASHING LIGHTS ON THEIR AMBULANCE/MEDICAL UNIT. The Locations are:- South Fort Walton Beach: Bruner Middle School - 322 Holmes Boulevard - North Fort Walton Beach: Choctawhatchee High School – 110 Racetrack Road - East Fort Walton Beach: Uptown Station – 99 Eglin Parkway West - West Fort Walton Beach: Santa Rosa Mall – 300 Mary Esther Parkway. We are in the process of opening these areas at this time.

09.16.20 LIST OF FLOODED, DAMAGED AND/OR CLOSED ROADS. IF YOU MUST BE ON THE ROAD FOR ESSENTIAL TRAVEL AND SEE STANDING WATER ON A ROAD, TURN AROUND - DON'T DROWN. We've begun updating this spreadsheet of closures as of 9.16.20 at 10pm. Click HERE We will do our best to update this thread with the latest closures but remember to sign up for local alerts at https://member.everbridge.net/892807736724689/login

GREATER FORT WALTON BEACH - * Hugh St. in front of Ferry Park * Highway 98 From Memorial to Beal * Brooks Bridge is closed due to flooding on Highway 98 * Westbound lanes of 98 just east of the Hurlburt Flight Line * Westbound lanes on 98 at Marler Bridge * Westbound lanes of 98 at the Hurlburt Overpass * All of highway 98 on Okaloosa island * SR 85 in Shalimar * South Mary Esther Boulevard by the Dodge Dealership * Intersection of Hollywood and Cristobal * Carnathan Court in Fort Walton Beach * MLK Jr Blvd between freedom way and lovejoy * All westbound lanes on 98 are closed between Hurlburt Field and Destin.  * One east bound lane open from Hurlburt to Brooks Bridge

NICEVILLE- * Bayshore Drive from 29th Street to 27th St

NORTHERN OKALOOSA COUNTY- * Yellow River Baptist Church Road * Shockley Springs * Polly Creek * Horse Creek at Old River Road * Dead Fall at Old River Road * Pond Creek & 393 * Penny Creek * The roadway at the Kennedy Bridge in Baker * Small bridge on Red Barrow Rd and HWY 189 in Baker * The Bridge on Poverty Creek Road at Clear Creek Road in Crestview  * Antioch road and Ashley drive * Valley Rd * 1st Ave (Crestview) * Shady Ln * Westbound Traffic into Crestview on Hwy 90 will be restricted to one lane.

09.16.20 - Shelter Update - We have seen rapid intensification of Hurricane Sally. The Raider Arena is being used a shelter for those evacuated/displaced by flooding: Northwest Florida State College, Raider Arena; 100 College Blvd East; Niceville, FL 32578

**Edit for clarification ** In case it is unclear Ultimately, STAY OFF THE ROADS IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. IF IT CANNOT BE AVOIDED, FOR EXAMPLE ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL, AND YOU SEE STANDING WATER ON A ROAD, TURN AROUND - DON'T DROWN. Emergency Management is aware of flooded areas and are performing evacuations. Contact the sheriff’s office for non-emergency flooding at 850-651-7400. As always dial 911 for emergencies. Raider Arena More info on Okaloosa County Shelters: http://www.myokaloosa.com/sites/default/files/users/psuser/Emergency%20Shelter%20Information%202020.pdf

9.16.20 4am update - We have seen rapid intensification overnight. See below for the latest NHC update. We'll provide updates from Okaloosa County Emergency Operations Center throughout the day. There are several road closures, bridge closures. Ultimately, STAY OFF THE ROADS IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. IF YOU SEE STANDING WATER ON A ROAD, TURN AROUND - DON'T DROWN. Sign up for local alerts if you haven't already: https://member.everbridge.net/892807736724689/login

09.16.20 early morning update from Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox 

September 15

09.15.20 - Evening Update with Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox

09.15.20 6pm Hurricane Sally Update - Okaloosa County Emergency Management has completed an evening call with NWS. Although there was another very slight shift in track to the East (Baldwin County landfall projected instead of Dauphin Island), no major changes to our expected impacts at this time. The tornado watch for Okaloosa County has been extended through 6AM Wednesday as expected. The weather will continue deteriorating further overnight and sustained minimal tropical storm force winds can be expected along the immediate coast with gusts of 45-55 moving inland trough Wednesday afternoon/early evening. Rainfall values of 15-20 with higher values in areas of training thunderstorms are still projected throughout the county. Up to this point we have received about 6 inches of rain near the coast and about 4 inches of rain inland. Areas with persistent bands may have some higher values. We will continue to monitor and provide updates.

09.15.20 - Closures that we're aware of:

1.) County offices shut down for tomorrow with the exception of essential services. That includes EMS, Corrections, and Water Treatment Plant Operators.

2.) Fixed-route transit shuts at 5 PM tonight and remains closed tomorrow.

3.) Transfer stations will be closed tomorrow and waste management will not be running routes tomorrow.

4.) The Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier is closed until Further notice

5.) Okaloosa county Schools remain closed tomorrow, Wednesday 9.16.20

6.) BAKER: Old River Road at Cotton Creek Bridge is currently closed due to tree down across power line. https://local.nixle.com/alert/8245482/?sub_id=0

7. Okaloosa County Tax Collector, Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections

09.15.20 - County Service changes due to Hurricane Sally - Services normally scheduled for Wednesday will be performed on alternate dates as outlined later in this thread. This closure also includes no operations at either transfer station. Along these lines we have also been informed by ECUA that they are suspending the receipt of recyclables at least through Wednesday; they will keep us informed of further decisions as conditions allow.

1. Okaloosa County residential customers with garbage collection on Wednesday, September 16th will be collected on Saturday, September 19th. 2. Okaloosa County Yard Waste and Bulk collection scheduled for Wednesday, September 16th will be collected on Saturday, September 19th. 3. Okaloosa County Recycle Collection scheduled for Wednesday, September 16th will be collected on Saturday, September 19th. 4. All Commercial routes scheduled for Wednesday, September 16th will be collected on Thursday, September 17th. 5. The South Okaloosa County Transfer Station will be closed on September 16th and will reopen on Thursday, September 17th.

9.15.20 1pm update: Hurricane Sally Update and detailed discussion from Okaloosa County Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox. Spoiler alert: It's going to rain a lot, winds will pick up to 40-45 mph and we are under a state of emergency per Governor DeSantis and a local state of emergency declared by Okaloosa County BCC. Okaloosa County Schools Will Remain Closed Tomorrow, September 16. Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier is Closed until further notice. Hurricane Sally Storm-related damage can be reported here https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/8ce4fbeca4a34dc58a12d40bdd4866f1 Full Text: The track shifted Eastward a bit again and landfall is now projected to be near Dauphin Island, Alabama around 7AM Wednesday Morning. Maximum sustained winds are now at 80 MPH and surface temperatures indicate that upwelling of cooler water from the shallow basin near the coast is prohibiting any significant intensification. This intensity is projected to remain at landfall, quickly weakening to a tropical Storm afterward.

The Eastward shift bumped up our storm surge to 3-5 feet from 2-4 feet, which still did not put any structures at risk according to EM. However, rainfall values across the area are raised a bit with 8-15 inches likely, pockets of 20” possible and 30” in areas of Northwest Florida which see training thunderstorms set up in static locations. Weather will obviously deteriorate this afternoon and evening with sustained tropical storm force winds in the 40-45 MPH range possible along the immediate coastal areas, with gusts into the 50 MPH range. This means that some bridges could be closed if that projection verifies. That’s the best prediction we can give on arrival of sustained T/S force winds at this point. A tornado watch is in place for our area through 6PM, but I expect that will be extended at least through the overnight hours. We should see tropical storm conditions abate late Wednesday afternoon, early evening, just in time to dig into the flood threat. All 3 rivers are forecast to reach major flood stage and could see “historic flooding” if the largest amounts of anticipated rainfall are produced. We are preparing message for residents in those affected areas and will have shelter operations announced shortly.

Yesterday, the Governor’s Executive Order 20-224 for Emergency Management only included Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. After some conversation, the Order has been amended in EO 20-225 to include Escambia, Santa Rosa, Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Walton and Washington counties. We also have an Local State of Emergency in Place.

09.15.20 - Hurricane Sally Update with Public Safety Director, Patrick Maddox 

September 14

09.14.20 - 

9.14.20 News Update • This storm’s final track is still uncertain. Don’t panic, prepare. You can go onto alertokaloosa.com to check out a guide and other resources to Prepare for any possible impacts we may have.

• We are looking at sustained winds in the 25-35 MPH range (just below tropical storm force) along the immediate coast with gusts to 50 MPH throughout the county, and combined with persistent, heavy rain.

• While we are going to see some elevated sustained winds, tropical storm force wind gusts and heavy rains, our area of greatest concern is going to be ponding water and flooding of our rivers. There is potential for the Blackwater, Shoal and Yellow Rivers to reach flood stage and higher, which is being carefully monitored by Emergency Management. This is due to some persistent heavy rainfall expected in our area. Most of the county is going to see between 8-10 inches of rain. Some portions of the county may see more than 15 inches of rain over the next few days. It’s likely we will see our rivers reach flood stage by Wednesday and additional messaging and protective measures will be employed if necessary.

• We say this every time there is a flooding event: DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED OUT AREAS. It’s one of the most deadly decisions you can undertake. TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN. Report flood conditions to emergency personnel.

• TRAVEL: If you don’t need to leave Your home in the next couple of days, don’t.

• SHELTERS: based on the current track of the storm,and anticipated impacts in our area, we don’t anticipate opening hurricane risk shelters at this time. We will continue to evaluate and make changes if necessary.

• COUNTY EMPLOYEES: County Offices will be closed tomorrow, we will evaluate the situation on Wednesday.

• COURT EMPLOYEES: Courts in Okaloosa County will be closed as well tomorrow (Tuesday)

2pm 9.14.20 - Okaloosa County Schools Remain Closed for Tuesday, September 15.

1pm 9.14.20 - Mobile Covid-19 Testing Sites are cancelled for Tuesday September 15.

12:30pm 9.14.20 - Hurricane Sally Update - Many extended conference calls and changes to the system and guidance envelopes. Okaloosa County Public Safety Emergency Operations is at remote Level 2 for dual events (COVID and Hurricane Sally) with an Incident Management Team (IMT) operating remotely.

We completed the morning calls with Florida Department of Emergency Management and National Weather Service. Attached, is the data discussed, from Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox. The following is a quick summary:

Sally has become a hurricane with 85 MPH (reported later at 90 MPH) max sustained winds and may strengthen prior to landfall on late Tuesday/early Wednesday, which means we will be experiencing heavy rain and Tropical Storm Force gusts during that period and possibly through Wednesday evening. The track has shifted a bit East. Further changes may result in greater impacts. There is a Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch for our area. Currently we are expected to see:

• Frequent Tropical Storm Force gusts to 50 MPH beginning this afternoon through Wednesday night, possibility of sustained T/S winds if track shifts farther East

• Prolonged periods of heavy rain through Wednesday with 6-10” across much of the County, 10” near the S/W Coast (Western Ft. Walton and Mary Esther area) and localized areas of 12”.

• Possibility of a few tornadoes as with any landfalling tropical system- even through Wednesday

• Surf heights of 8-12 feet and dangerous RIP currents

• Storm surge of 1-3 feet

• Major River Flooding for all 3 rivers with major flood stage beginning on Thursday through Friday- NCS shelter ops being reviewed through state. This flooding will affect homes and some roadways.

Changes in track and intensity can change these values. Be prepared for short-fuse changes with this system. We will continue to monitor and provide updates. Preparedness Resources found here: https://bit.ly/2QaJ1f0OkaloosaHurricaneResources

** Okaloosa County Schools will Remain Closed Tuesday, September 15 **

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR ALERTS