6:30 a.m. - NWS - Tornado Warning until 7 a.m. for portions of Okaloosa County.
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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.
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
302 N. Wilson St. - Suite 302
Crestview, FL 32536
1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100
Shalimar, FL 32579
Call 850-689-5050 or 850-423-1542 for all departments.