Due to the significant threat for bad weather this afternoon and evening, the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center will activate at a Level 1.
Level 1 is a full-scale activation where all primary support agencies under the county’s emergency plan are notified, in preparation for any needed response through the evening.
All Escambia County Board of County offices will close at 3 p.m. All BOCC related evening meetings are cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date. More information about additional closures will be announced as they become available.
The Coast Guard advises mariners to prepare for severe weather conditions forecasted by the National Weather Service, impacting Mississippi, Alabama and the Pensacola area, Tuesday afternoon.
Winds are expected to increase to small craft advisory levels on Tuesday afternoon with frequent gusts to gale force winds through early Wednesday. Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop and move across the Gulf Coast.
The Coast Guard would like to remind mariners that high winds can cause vessels to break free from moorings if not properly secured and urges those who plan to get underway in impacted areas to heed warnings issued by the National Weather Service and plan accordingly.
The Coast Guard encourages all vessel owners to ensure boats are properly marked and well secured, to avoid hazardous and unnecessary searches caused by unmanned, adrift vessels. This includes personal watercraft as well as beached kayaks and canoes. Life jackets, pool floats and other debris that could lead rescuers to initiate searches should be securely stowed as well.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile will broadcast safety information for recreational and commercial mariners via VHF FM marine radio.