Santa Rosa County Emergency Management officials are warning residents to stay alert and be prepared for a severe weather outbreak. The National Weather Service in Mobile issued a weather briefing today at 10:30 a.m. For Santa Rosa County, the timing of the greatest coverage and intensity of storms will be during the evening and overnight hours, specifically 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. This weather event is a significant threat with risk for individual, rapidly moving supercells, with possible strong and long-tracked tornadoes, a likeliness of large hail, gusty winds of 30-40 mph and high surf along the coast.
"For our whole area to be under a 'significant threat' is not common. (The) National Weather Services is concerned and anytime they are concerned, I am concerned," said Brad Baker, emergency management director. "With a severe weather outbreak overnight, we are concerned about residents missing tornado watches and warnings. Pay attention to your local media, weather radio or the government alerts and weather apps on your cell phones. Always have a plan of action if severe weather should strike."
Santa Rosa Schools will release at their usual time but all evening activities have been cancelled. Emergency Management staff will continue to monitor the situation as the day progresses.
Residents should identify a safe interior, lower-level room without windows for sheltering in place. Those who live in mobile homes should make plans to have a safe place to go with friends or family in the event of a tornado warning.
Winds will pick up during the afternoon. Take precautions to minimize damage by securing porch swings, lawn and patio furniture. Avoid travel if possible and high-profile vehicles should take extra caution. For more information, visit www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency/tornadoes.cfm.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Severe Weather: SRC Officials urge residents to stay alert