Severe Weather Expected Tonight, Continue to Monitor Forecast

Escambia County continues to be under an Enhanced Risk of severe weather this evening through Friday morning, with potential threats including damaging winds, tornadoes and widespread rainfall, according to the U.S. National Weather Service of Mobile. Residents are encouraged to continue to monitor the forecast and take precautions as needed. 

The severe weather is expected to impact Escambia County from approximately 7 p.m. tonight through 1 a.m. Friday. Winds may reach up to 70 mph, and a strong tornado (EF2 or EF3) cannot be ruled out. A limited flooding threat is also present, with 1-3 inches of rainfall predicted by NWS. High surf and dangerous rip currents will be present Thursday evening through Friday night. Click here to check flag conditions on Pensacola Beach. 
 
Follow these tips to stay safe during severe weather:

• Pay extra attention to local weather reports until the storm has moved through the area. Be sure to keep your weather radio on and your cell phone charged to ensure you can receive weather alerts. 
• With the possibility of high winds, it is recommended that any lightweight outside furniture or equipment be secured before dark Thursday evening.
• Organizations with planned outside activities during this Enhanced Risk period need to be weather aware and take the appropriate actions.
• In the event of a Tornado Warning, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home or building. Stay away from windows.
• Turn around, don't drown: In the event of a roadway covered by water, do not attempt to drive over the flooded road. Water depth may be misleading, and you could end up stranded or trapped.

For the latest information on severe weather impacting Escambia County, residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts on myescambia.com, like Escambia County Emergency Management on Facebook and follow @BeReadyEscambia on Twitter.