Okaloosa County emergency officials have updated their severe weather outlook, placing most of the county under a “Slight” risk category for the approaching storm system.
- According to a Monday briefing from Okaloosa Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox, the “Enhanced” risk area now extends to the county line and possibly into the northwest portion of the county.
The latest forecast indicates a line of storms will develop and move west to east Tuesday evening through approximately 3 a.m. Wednesday. Maddox said the greatest threats are winds reaching up to 60 mph and the possibility of a few tornadoes.
“Non-thunderstorm winds ahead of the main line of storms in the 35-40 mph range are likely for a long duration, making limb-fall from weekend trees a possibility,” Maddox warned.
Additional concerns include elevated rip currents and surf heights up to 10 feet beginning Monday night. Rainfall is expected to remain under 1.5 inches as the system is forecast to move quickly through the region.
Okaloosa County is likely to experience the greatest impacts between 8 p.m. Tuesday and 3 a.m. Wednesday, with the eastern parts of the county affected later in that timeframe. Officials noted that some discrete storm cells ahead of the main line are possible.
- “Confidence on storms forming is high, confidence on overall severity is less-certain, but always prepare as if they were to occur,” Maddox said.
County officials urged residents to have multiple ways to receive emergency information and to remain weather-aware as they continue to monitor the situation.
