Escambia County residents should prepare for significant rainfall and hazardous beach conditions as a developing weather system churns in the Gulf of Mexico. County Meteorologist Scottlin Wilson provided crucial updates on “We Don’t Color On the Dog” with host Rick Outzen.
Current Storm Status
The National Hurricane Center maintains a 40% chance of development for the system over the next two to seven days. The key factor determining intensification is whether the storm’s center can move off land and back over the warm Gulf waters that fuel tropical development. Currently hugging the Florida Panhandle shoreline, the system appears disorganized after losing its structure while crossing the Florida Peninsula.
Rainfall and Flooding Concerns
Wilson forecasts approximately three inches of rain from now through Saturday morning, with the heaviest precipitation expected Thursday and Friday. The rainfall will arrive in multiple rounds rather than continuous downpours, creating localized flooding risks scattered throughout the county. This intermittent pattern means not all areas will experience flooding conditions.
Beach Safety Alert
Dangerous rip currents pose an immediate threat to beachgoers. The rip current risk escalates to moderate levels tonight, then jumps to high risk Thursday and Friday. Anyone planning beach activities should exercise extreme caution or avoid the water entirely during this period.
Emergency Preparedness
Escambia County has made sand available at multiple locations for residents needing sandbags, though bags must be provided and filled by individuals. Wilson emphasized that hurricane season continues until November 30th, urging residents to maintain seven-day emergency supplies including water, non-perishable food, batteries, and flashlights.
Tax-Free Hurricane Supplies
Florida residents can now purchase emergency preparedness items tax-free year-round, effective August 1st. This permanent program replaces the previous two-week tax holidays, making hurricane preparation more affordable throughout the season.
Whether this system develops into Tropical Storm Dexter or remains a depression, residents should prioritize preparation and stay informed through official weather sources.
Escambia County Sand Locations Open Wednesday, July 16
Escambia County is offering sand for residents living in flood-prone areas. The sand is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and locations are open 24 hours a day. Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels to one of the following locations (map):
- Baars Field Athletic Park – 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola
- Brent Athletic Park – 4711 N. W St., Pensacola
- Don Sutton Park – 2320 Crabtree Church Road, Molino
- Equestrian Center – 7750 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
- Escambia County Road Department – 601 Highway 297-A, Pensacola
- Ferry Pass Middle School – 8355 Yancey Lane, Pensacola (sand will be on the northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street)
- John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park – 555 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola
- Travis M. Nelson Park – 4541 County Road 4, Pensacola
When laid properly, sandbags can be an effective tool for flooding from a rain event, but not for storm surge. For more information on how to make and use sandbags, visit the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (www.flash.org).
Sandbags can be purchased at most local hardware or home improvement stores, typically for a low cost.
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
Residents can sign up for emergency updates through Everbridge on the Emergency Management website.
With the possibility of localized flooding, one of the most important hurricane preparation steps Escambia County residents can take is to know their evacuation zone – either A, B, C, D, E or none. Learn more at MyEscambia.com/KnowYourZone.
For more information, monitor the local media and legitimate online and social media sources like Escambia County Emergency Management and US National Weather Service Mobile.
More information on what to do before, during and after a storm is available online at MyEscambia.com/BeReady. Residents can also follow @BeReadyEscambia on X, like Escambia County Emergency Management on Facebook, and follow @EscambiaBeReady on Instagram for the latest news and updates on emergencies impacting our community.