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Hurricane Francine intensifies, Okaloosa County schools to remain open

Hurricane Francine intensifies to Category 1, approaching Louisiana. Okaloosa County expects heavy rain and possible tornadoes, but reduced wind threat. Schools remain open as officials monitor the situation.

Hurricane Francine has strengthened to a Category 1 storm with 90 mph winds as it approaches the central Louisiana coast, prompting local officials to closely monitor its potential impacts on Okaloosa County.

  • Okaloosa Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox reported that Francine is moving northeast at 10 mph and is forecast to reach Category 2 status before making landfall this afternoon or evening. While the storm’s track remains unchanged, the probability of tropical storm-force winds in Okaloosa County has decreased.

Despite the reduced wind threat, Maddox warned that heavy rainfall and the possibility of brief, localized tornadoes remain concerns for the area. Dangerous marine and surf conditions are expected to begin today and last through late Thursday or early Friday morning.

The Okaloosa County School District announced that schools are expected to remain open at this time. In a statement on Tuesday, the district said it is working in coordination with Maddox to monitor the situation.

“While Okaloosa County is unlikely to experience sustained tropical storm-force winds, we may see gusts up to 30 mph, along with 2-4 inches of rain, with localized areas receiving up to 6 inches between Wednesday and Thursday,” the school district stated. They also noted a slight risk of severe weather and potential tornadoes, particularly in the southern part of the county.

County officials urge residents to stay informed about the storm’s progress and any potential changes to local conditions. The school district promised to continue working closely with the county’s emergency operations center and provide updates as needed.

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Community Comments

“Would be nice to hear Matt Gaetz addressing his District 1 voters he left in dust. Unless I missed it somehow.”
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“The Big U! The NMU supplied the unlicensed crew and when we lost this ship and its jobs and when U.S. Lines went bankrupt, we were on our way to...”
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“Highschool is finna be more crowed now. We need another highschool not a middle or elementary school.”
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“This is bittersweet. I spent a wonderful week in Cay Sal Banks on the Pilot in 2006. I will have to go pay her a visit soon....”
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“I agree with Jerome. What will this accomplish since both ends are only 4 lanes?”
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“The parking lot at McGuires would disappear along with the parcel that Destin purchased at the bridge.. Flooding on Okaloosa Island would close an expensive update to 98 , at...”
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“This will not make a difference for traffic passing through the center of Destin along Rt. 98. The smart option is to complete the Brooks Bridge and intersection in Ft...”
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“Doesn’t it still end up with 4 lanes on either end after bridges? Seems more aesthetic than a traffic plan. Which is nice too but does it increase the function?”
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“It would be a money pit let’s sink it for the tourists who we don’t have enough of so more will come”
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