Prepare for storms

I just got off the phone with Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. The thunderstorms heading our way will come in two waves

4+4:30 p.m. Monday: Heavy rains

5:30-6:30 p.m. Second Squall line will hit. Wind gusts as high as 70 mph. Steady winds 30-35 mph. Two to three inches of rain that will cause localized flooding. Tornadoes may occur, so we can expect some wind damage, limbs falling, and power outages.

Escambia County Public Schools Superintendent Keith Leonard has announced that schools and district offices will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 9, due to possible inclement weather in the area. Additionally, all extra-curricular activities are canceled for the afternoon and evening of Monday, Jan.8.

The National Weather Service forecasts severe weather moving through the area on Tuesday during the early to mid-morning hours, with the possibility of high winds, heavy rains, and tornadoes. In an abundance of caution, all schools, district offices, and afterschool activities, including indoor and outdoor athletics, have been canceled for Tuesday, January 9, 2024. All extra-curricular activities are canceled for the afternoon and evening of Monday, January 8, 2024.

“We anticipate normal district operations will resume on Wednesday, January 10,” stated Superintendent Keith Leonard. “Of course, we’ll continue to work closely with local emergency operations officials to determine what is safest for our families and staff.”