Photo: Warren Faidley / The Image Bank / Getty Images
Northwest Florida communities are making final preparations for Hurricane Isaias as the storm moves toward the Gulf Coast. Local emergency management officials have activated shelters, issued evacuation orders in several coastal and flood-prone areas, and urged residents to complete preparations before conditions begin to deteriorate.
Evacuation orders are in effect for portions of Escambia, Okaloosa, Walton, Franklin, and other Panhandle counties, particularly for residents living in low-lying areas, barrier islands, mobile homes, and locations vulnerable to storm surge. Officials are encouraging anyone in evacuation zones to leave early and avoid traveling once winds and heavy rain arrive.
Emergency shelters have opened throughout the region to provide safe refuge for residents who cannot remain in their homes. Local governments are also positioning emergency supplies, generators, fuel, water, and food ahead of the storm's arrival.
Forecasters warn that Isaias could bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall, coastal flooding, storm surge, isolated tornadoes, and widespread power outages. Residents are being advised to secure outdoor items, charge electronic devices, review emergency plans, and remain tuned to local officials for any additional evacuation or safety instructions.
Emergency managers stress that preparations should be completed as soon as possible, as travel conditions could quickly worsen once the outer bands of the storm move onshore.
Officials across Northwest Florida are urging residents to complete storm preparations as Hurricane Isaias approaches the Gulf Coast, bringing the threat of storm surge, flooding rainfall, damaging winds, and possible power outages.
In Okaloosa County, mandatory evacuations went into effect Thursday afternoon for coastal areas within Zones A and B, including Okaloosa Island, portions of Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, and Niceville. The county has opened two shelters: Davidson Middle School in Crestview, which will serve the general population, special needs residents, and pets, and Raider Arena at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. County officials also requested that all visitors leave the area ahead of the storm.
Walton County has ordered mandatory evacuations for Zones A, B, and C. Emergency managers say the primary concern is the potential for life-threatening storm surge, which could reach up to seven feet in some areas.
In Franklin County, mandatory evacuations are in place for barrier islands, Alligator Point, Bald Point, low-lying areas, mobile homes, and RV parks. Residents are being asked to complete evacuations before Friday morning. Officials say bridges will close when sustained winds reach 45 miles per hour, and emergency medical services will be suspended once those conditions develop. Schools and county government offices will also be closed Friday.
Bay County has issued a voluntary evacuation order for residents in Zones A and B and for anyone living in mobile or manufactured homes. Areas of particular concern include Lower Grand Lagoon, Bear Creek, and communities along waterways feeding into the bay. The county has opened a shelter at Deane Bozeman School in Panama City. Residents seeking shelter should bring medications, bedding, toiletries, and supplies for pets, including vaccination records.
In Gulf County, mandatory evacuations remain in effect for recreational vehicles located at Water’s Edge RV Park, Presnell’s RV Resort, and Indian Pass Campground. Officials are also encouraging RV owners in other low-lying and flood-prone areas to relocate to safer locations.
Military installations are also taking precautions. Eglin Air Force Base has moved to HURCON 2 and issued a limited evacuation order covering military personnel, civilian employees, and dependents living within evacuation zones in Okaloosa, Walton, and Escambia counties. Some non-emergency medical services have been suspended, while critical operations remain open.
Hurlburt Field has also entered HURCON 2 and ordered a mandatory evacuation of all privatized family housing residents and occupants of the base campground. Base leadership says the evacuation is being driven by the anticipated loss of utilities and wastewater services rather than concerns about structural damage.
Officials throughout the region are urging residents to monitor local emergency management updates, know their evacuation zones, and complete preparations before weather conditions deteriorate.