Tropical Storm Warning In Effect

May 26, 2018

The center of Subtropical Storm Alberto has reformed a little to the northeast, as of the 10 p.m. advisory.

A tropical storm warning has been issued as Subtropical Storm Alberto moves toward a landfall on the upper Gulf Coast.

The biggest threat to the North Escambia area is currently forecast to be rain and flooding. The area remains under an extreme flood threat Saturday through Tuesday. Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches are possible with localized amounts of 12 to 24 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Moderate to major flooding is possible along area rivers and creeks, and widespread flash flooding is possible.

For the latest North Escambia forecast, click here.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Heavy Rain Forecast, Extreme Flooding Threat

May 26, 2018

The biggest threat to the North Escambia area from Tropical Storm Alberto is currently forecast to be rain and flooding. The area remains under an extreme flood threat Saturday through Tuesday. Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches are possible with localized amounts of 12 to 24 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Moderate to major flooding is possible along area rivers and creeks, and widespread flash flooding is possible.

For the latest forecast information on Alberto, click here.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

TROPICAL STORM WATCH

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 82. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 73. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Memorial Day: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 82. Windy, with an east wind 15 to 20 mph increasing to 25 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Monday Night: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Tuesday: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 84. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Tuesday Night: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Wednesday: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72.

Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Escambia County Declares State Of Emergency, Other Local Storm Info

May 25, 2018

Escambia County has declared a Local State of Emergency in an abundance of caution due to Subtropical Storm Alberto.. This is an administrative action to ensure that state resources are available if needed. The Local State of Emergency was signed by District 1 Commissioner and Chairman Jeff Bergosh and is effective at 5 p.m. today.

For the latest storm forecast information, click here.

Other essential information:

The National Hurricane Center has begun issuing advisories on Subtropical Storm Alberto, which formed over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea this morning and is expected to approach the north-central Gulf Coast on Monday.
Other than rainfall, Escambia County likely will not see impacts from Alberto until late Sunday or early Monday.
Escambia County Emergency Management is closely monitoring this system, and staff are on call to respond as needed. Residents are urged to do the same by monitoring our local media (including NorthEscambia.com) for the most up-to-date forecasts several times a day.
Escambia County has declared a Local State of Emergency in an abundance of caution. This is an administrative action to ensure that state resources are available if needed. The Local State of Emergency was signed by District 1 Commissioner and Chairman Jeff Bergosh and is effective at 5 p.m. today.
Scattered to numerous showers and storms are possible tonight, which could produce brief strong wind gusts and frequent lightning in some areas.
The National Weather Service is emphasizing the rip current dangers associated with this storm, which are already present and could linger for days afterward. In Escambia County, it is illegal to enter the Gulf of Mexico when red flags are flying. Dangerous rip currents can also be present in yellow flag conditions. Learn more here.
NWS also urges residents not to underestimate the rainfall and flooding threats. Do not focus strictly on the storm track or wind speeds.
Alberto is forecast to potentially bring dangerous rip currents, heavy rainfall and flooding, including potentially life-threatening flash floods.

Storm Information Forecast by the National Weather Service in Mobile for Saturday, May 26 through Tuesday, May 29

Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches, with localized higher amounts
Moderate to major flooding along area rivers and creeks
Widespread flash flooding
Life-threatening rip currents through Monday night
High surf of 5-plus feet Saturday afternoon through Tuesday evening
Coastal flooding of 2-4 feet above ground level along low-lying areas of the coast, bays and sounds during periods of high tide

Current advisories from NWS Mobile for Escambia County

High Surf Advisory in effect from 1 p.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Tuesday
Coastal Flood Watch in effect from Saturday afternoon through Tuesday evening
Flash Flood Watch in effect from Saturday evening through Tuesday evening

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Fort Pickens day use will end at noon Saturday. The Fort Pickens gate will be locked at 5 p.m. Saturday, and all campers and day users must be out of the park.
Opal Beach complex/ picnic area day use will end at noon Saturday, and gates will be closed and locked at 5 p.m.
Park officials will keep an eye on Highway 399 between Navarre and Pensacola beach for possible closure. Watery battery barrels are in place on side of road if a closure is needed.

Office Closures

Escambia County Animal Services, ECAT and West Florida Public Libraries will be open on Saturday, May 25 for normal operating hours.
Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, Escambia County Property Appraiser, Escambia County Tax Collector, Escambia County Area Transit administrative offices, Escambia County Supervisor of Elections office, Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s office, Escambia County Animal Shelter, West Florida Public Libraries (All locations) will be closed on Monday, May 28 for Memorial Day. Normal operations will resume Tuesday, May 29.
At this time, all University of West Florida locations are scheduled to remain open on Tuesday, May 29. University officials will continue to monitor the storm and update the campus community, as conditions change.

Sand Bags

Escambia County is offering sand for sand bags for residents living in flood-prone areas. The sand is available on a first come, first served basis. Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels to one of the following locations (map):

Baars Field Athletic Park – 13001 Sorrento Road
Brent Athletic Park – 4711 N. W St.
Don Sutton Park – 2320 Crabtree Church Road
Equestrian Center – 7750 Mobile Highway
Escambia County Road Department – 601 Highway 297-A
Ferry Pass Middle School – 8355 Yancey Lane, sand will be on the northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street
John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park – 555 E. Nine Mile Road
Travis M. Nelson Park - 4541 County Road 4

When laid properly, sand bags can be an effective tool for flooding from a rain event, but not for storm surge. For more information on how to make and use sandbags, visit the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (www.flash.org). Sand bags can be purchased at most local hardware or home improvement stores, typically for a low cost.

Preparation Tips

As June 1 is the beginning of hurricane season, residents should take the time now to double check their storm supplies and preparations so that if and when a confirmed threat develops, they are ready. The key to reducing the stress and impact on your family is to prepare by having a plan, getting a kit and staying informed:

Review or make a family plan. This includes:

Knowing your evacuation zone is one of the most important hurricane preparation steps you can take. It is very important that you look up your evacuation zone each year to find out if and when you should evacuate, even if you have looked it up in the past, as zones can change. Most importantly, don’t rely on previous storm experience. Just because you weathered the last storm, doesn’t mean you will weather this one. Look up your address online at myescambia.com/knowyourzone.
Know where you will go. If you live in an evacuation zone, know where you will go and how you will get there. Will you go to a friend or relative’s home, a hotel, or as a last resort, a public shelter? It is always easier to go tens of miles, not hundreds. Find a list of shelters, including special needs and pet-friendly, here.

Have a communication plan. Plan now how you will contact one another and where you will meet.

Plan for those with special needs. Make arrangements in advance to accommodate those in your family with special needs like the elderly, children and pets. Always have at least an extra three to 10 days stock of medical supplies, medication and any other special items you may need.

Understand Watch vs. Warning, the hurricane cone and what steps you need to take when.

Take photos of important documents and your valuables. Save these to a secure cloud site, thumb drive or keep on your mobile device.

Get a kit - Your disaster kit should have at least three days of nonperishable food and three gallons of water for each person and pet in your home, along with other supplies.

Stay informed – A tropical system can develop very quickly. Be sure you take time every day to monitor the local media. Escambia County also has several tools available for our residents. Learn more here. Monitor local media and legitimate online and social media sources like Escambia County Emergency Management, US National Weather Service Mobile, NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center and Florida SERT.

Prep your yard – As we are entering hurricane season, it is also recommended that residents take a few minutes to inspect their home and yard. Check for, fix or remove loose items on your home and sheds. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and down spouts. Trim trees and shrubs around your home.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Tropical Storm Watch Issued For Subtropical Storm Alberto

May 25, 2018

cone graphic

Subtropical Storm Alberto formed Friday morning, and the National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm watch for our part of the gulf coast.. The latest information on the storm is in the graphic above.

The biggest threat to the North Escambia area is currently forecast to be rain and flooding. The area remains under an extreme flood threat Saturday through Tuesday. Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches are possible with localized amounts of 12 to 15 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Moderate to major flooding is possible along area rivers and creeks, and widespread flash flooding is possible.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Elevated Flood Threat Begins This Weekend

May 25, 2018

The North Escambia area remains under an extreme flood threat Saturday through Tuesday. Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches are possible with localized amounts of 12 to 15 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Moderate to major flooding is possible along area rivers and creeks, and widespread flash flooding is possible.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 85. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 83. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 69. Northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Memorial Day: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 84. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 70. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 85. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Extreme Flood Threat This Weekend

May 24, 2018

A tropical system will bring an extreme flood threat this weekend. Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches are possible with localized higher amounts. Moderate to major flooding along area rivers and creeks and widespread flash flooding are also possible.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Today: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 84. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy, with a low around 69. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.

Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 83. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Memorial Day: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 86. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

WOW 90.9 Conducting One Day Fundraiser For Needed Repairs

May 24, 2018

Christian radio station WOW 90.9 is conducting a one-day fundraiser today to raise funds to repair their transmission line.

Last October, the non-commercial station was off the air for more than a week after a direct lightning strike damaged their transmitter and the transmission line that carries the signal from the transmitter on the ground to the antenna at the top of their tower. It was determined that more than 500 feet of expensive transmission line needed to be replaced.

WKRG television in Mobile donated that transmission line, but now WOW radio needs to raise the funds to transport the line from Mobile to their tower site in Castleberry, AL. They also need to purchase required hardware, hire a tower crew for installation and complete additional repairs to the transmitter.

“Because we need to raise a substantial amount of money in just one-day, we’ve taken Mark 10:27 to heart. It says ‘And Jesus looking upon them said, with men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible’,” said WOW General Manager Sandie Riddick.

Donations can be made at www.wowradio.org or listen to WOW 90.9 for more information.

WOW 90.9 also broadcasts on 101.1 FM in Pensacola.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

More Rain Possible All Week

May 23, 2018

Heavy rain is looking likely by the weekend as a subtropical or tropical system forms in the Gulf of Mexico and moves north.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 86. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Friday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 85. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 85. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Low around 69. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 85. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Memorial Day: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Daily Rain In Our Forecast

May 22, 2018

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.

Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.

Memorial Day: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

More Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms All Week

May 21, 2018

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Tonight: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.