Tropical Storm Warning; Flash Flood, Tornado Watches

September 3, 2011

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(Updated 5:15 p.m.)There is a tropical storm warning in effect for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as Tropical Storm Lee spins in the Gulf of Mexico just off the Lousiana coast. The storm is expect to dump 12 to 17 inches of rain across the area.

Winds are forecast to increase to about 20 mph on Sunday with gusts to 30 mph. But Monday, North Escambia can expect sustained winds of about 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

Here is the latest information from the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center:

The Escambia County Emergency Operations Center remains at a level 3 (monitoring) status as Tropical Storm Lee moves closer to the Louisiana coastline this afternoon.  Escambia County staff will continue to monitor the National Weather Service, including winds, rain, river levels and tides, however the EOC is not expected to activate unless conditions worsen or the forecasted path changes.

The National Weather Service has placed Escambia County under a tropical storm warning.  The hurricane hunter aircraft has observed tropical storm strength winds south and southeast of Pensacola and Escambia County.

  • During the evening hours and overnight, winds could reach 40 mph as sudden strong bands or squalls move through our area.  As these squalls pass there will be periods of calm and lighter showers marked by periods of intense wind and rain.
  • The more northerly path of the storm will keep Escambia County on the eastern side where the heaviest rains and strongest winds will occur.

Current forecasted information for Escambia County includes:

  • A flashflood watch for Escambia County through Tuesday morning.
  • An accumulation of 12-17 inches of rain over the three to four day period.
  • The river levels are expected to rise rapidly over the next three to four days, but not exceed flood stage.
    • The Perdido River is currently at 1.18 feet and could go to 13.2 feet late Monday into early Tuesday.
    • The Escambia River is currently at 2.67 feet and could go to 16.8 feet early Tuesday morning.
  • Tides are expected to reach 2 feet above normal high tides.
  • Flooding may occur along Ft. Pickens Road and along low areas of the barrier island.
  • Strong winds will impact our area between Sunday and Tuesday.  On Monday winds could reach 30-35 mph sustained.

Other County Actions:

  • With the anticipated high winds and heavy rains, residents are encouraged to bring in plants, toys, lawn furniture, trash cans and similar items from the lawn and patios that may be blown about.  Items should be secured or placed indoors.
  • Crews will monitor the barrier islands in the anticipation of possible flooding as high tide occurs during the overnight/early morning hours.
  • No road closures or flooding has been reported at this time.
  • A single “red” flag is currently flying at Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key.
  • Solid Waste Management will retrieve the large green recycling container at Park West (at the Ft. Pickens gate) in anticipation of possible flooding in that area.
  • Sand bags can be purchased from local hardware and home improvement stores.  No sand bags are being distributed by Escambia County officials.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

  • Tonight…Widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms. Some thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall. Locally heavy rainfall possible. Near steady temperature in the mid 70s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts to around 30 mph. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.
  • Sunday…Widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms. Some thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall. Locally heavy rainfall possible. Highs in the lower 80s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts to around 35 mph. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.
  • Sunday Night…Tropical storm conditions possible. Rain and isolated thunderstorms. Some thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall. Near steady temperature in the mid 70s. Southeast winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts to around 35 mph becoming south 25 to 30 mph with gusts to around 50 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation 80 percent.
  • Labor Day…Tropical storm conditions possible. Widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms. Some thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall. Highs in the upper 80s. South winds 30 to 35 mph becoming 25 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 50 mph. Chance of precipitation 80 percent.
  • Monday Night…Windy. Mostly cloudy. Showers likely and isolated thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 70s. Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts to around 50 mph. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.
  • Tuesday…Breezy. Mostly cloudy. Showers likely and isolated thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 80s. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.
  • Tuesday Night…Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 60s. Chance of precipitation 40 percent.
  • Wednesday…Mostly sunny. Chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
  • Wednesday Night…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.
  • Thursday…Mostly sunny. Slight chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
  • Thursday Night…Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 60s.
  • Friday…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
  • Friday Night…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 60s.
  • Saturday…Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s.

Comments

One Response to “Tropical Storm Warning; Flash Flood, Tornado Watches”

  1. wondering on September 3rd, 2011 11:16 am

    I’m wondering if Atmore has done anything about the drainage problem on HWY 31 near the kangaroo station. I remember recently that arera flooded reallt bad

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive