Ernest Ward Cheerleading Tryouts Canceled
March 31, 2009
Cheerleading tryouts at Ernest Ward Middle School today have been canceled due to weather.
The tryouts will be recheduled sometime after Spring Break.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued; Flood Watch In Effect; More Rain Ahead
March 31, 2009
(Updated 1:20 p.m.) The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for North Escambia and surrounding areas until 7:00 tonight. A flash flood watch is also in effect until Wednesday morning.
Many across the North Escambia area will keep a watchful eye on the skies today, with as much as five to six inches of rain expected by tomorrow morning.
The National Weather Service says scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop across the region during the day, gradually becoming more numerous during the afternoon. By the late afternoon or early evening hours, a more organized squall line will develop in advance of an approaching front. The storms will move across the area during the late evening or early Wednesday morning.
On the severe weather side, the primary threat from the squall line will be damaging straight line winds. But the biggest concern across North Escambia will be the potential for very heavy rainfall following last weeks storms that dumped up to an estimated 15 inches near Molino.
The weather service says that an average of two to four inches can be expected across the area, with localized areas receiving up to five to six inches. The heavy rains would likely make flooding conditions along area streams and rivers worse, and heavy rains on already saturated ground would create the possibility of more flash flooding in the region.
The weather service has issued a flash flood watch in effect through Wednesday morning. The official rain chance is 100 percent today, 80 percent tonight, 50 percent early Wednesday, 20 percent Wednesday night, 60 percent Thursday and 30 percent Thursday night. Friday and Saturday look sunny, and the rain is forecast to return by Sunday.
NorthEscambia.com will continue to monitor the weather situation and post updates as needed.
Flood Warnings For Perdido And Escambia Rivers Extended
March 31, 2009
Flood warnings are in effect for the Perdido River near Barrineau Park and the Escambia River near Century.
The warning for the Escambia River near Century continues until further notice. Tuesday morning, the stage was at 18.2 feeet. It is expected to rise to 18.4 feet by midnight Tuesday and then begin falling. At 17 feet, considerable flooding of lowlands occurs until the river drops below 13 feet.
The warning for the Perdido River near Barrineau Park has been extended until Thursday afternoon. Flood stage on the river is 13 feet. Tuesday morning, the stage was 12.5 feet. The river is forecast to rise to 13.5 feet by Thursday morning.
Pictured above: The road to Fischer’s Landing on the Escambia River in Century was flooded Monday morning. The entire landing is underwater. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Meeting Tonight To Discuss New Bratt Park Plan
March 31, 2009
Bratt area residents will have the chance to express their opinion on two possible layouts for the new Bratt Community Park at a meeting tonight.
One option for the new park on Highway 4 near the First Baptist Church of Bratt includes two softball fields, a full basketball court, a covered picnic pavilion and a kid’s playground.
The second option includes more green space, with one softball field, a half-court basketball court, two smaller picnic pavilions and a kid’s playground.
Both options include a paved, 8-foot wide, eight-tenths of a mile walking/biking track around the perimeter of the park. There will also be exercise and rest stations positioned along the track.
The softball fields will not be lit for night play; the park’s hours will follow that of other county parks — sunrise to sunset.
The park will be funded with $200,000 is LOST (local option sales tax) funds set aside to fund the park’s development.
The county will hold a public meeting at 6 pm. today at Shiloh Baptist Church for public input on the park plans.
Click here for a pdf of Option A for the new Bratt Community Park.
Click here for a pdf of Option B for the park.
Medical Call At Northview High
March 30, 2009
Emergency units including LifeFlight were called to Northview High School about 7:45 this morning for a medical call.
Officials tell us that the call was a medical emergency, and the school day will go on as normal.
More Heavy Rains Could Be On The Way
March 30, 2009
More heavy rains could be on the way for North Escambia by tomorrow.
The National Weather Service says that another two to five inches of rain could fall across the area in the next 48 hours.
Today’s sunny skies will give way to a 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms for Tuesday and Tuesday night. Some storms are forecast to possibly be severe with damaging winds and heavy rain.
By Tuesday, the rain will be gone, with partly cloud skies and a high near 70.
Passion Of Christ Drama Tonight
March 29, 2009
The First Assembly of God Church in Atmore will present a Passion of Christ production at 6:30 tonight.
It is a drama presentation of the life, death and resurrection of Christ. It is presented by the First Assembly of God Drama Team. Admission is free, and everyone is invited to attend. The church is located at 1120 South Main in Atmore.
EWMS Cheerleading Tryouts Canceled
March 28, 2009
Cheerleader tryouts that were scheduled to be held at Ernest Ward Middle School this morning have been canceled due to the weather and closure of local roads.
This event will be rescheduled in a few days and all participants will be informed.
Trail Ride Canceled
March 28, 2009
Due to weather conditions, the Panhandle Equine Rescue’s ‘Ride for Rescue’, trail ride has been canceled.
The trail ride will be rescheduled for a later date.
Tornado Watch In Effect
March 28, 2009
A tornado watch is in effect for North Escambia and the surrounding area through Saturday morning.
Tornadoes, hail up to three inches in diameter, thunderstorm wind gusts to 80 mph and dangerous lightning are possible in the area, according to the National Weather Service.
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and be aware of possible warnings.
Here is your complete National Weather Service forecast:
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1pm. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. High near 68. South wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 41. West wind between 5 and 15 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 60. West wind around 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 38. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 73. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78.