Okaloosa County will offer sandbags to the public beginning Wednesday afternoon ahead of any potential extended rain this weekend, as forecasters watch a disturbance in the southwest Gulf that is expected to become a tropical depression.
Sandbags will be available starting at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at two locations, according to the county:
- 714 Essex Road in Fort Walton Beach
- 1759 S. Ferdon Blvd. in Crestview
The chance for tropical development in the southwest Gulf continues to increase, with a 90% chance of development in the next 48 hours, according to the National Hurricane Center.
A tropical depression is anticipated to form over the next day or so. The disturbance is expected to move east initially before turning north or northeast toward the northern Gulf Coast later this week.
Forecasters said it is still too early to determine specific impacts to the area. However, an increased risk for high surf and rip currents is anticipated, along with heavy rainfall.
Any additional heavy rainfall for coastal communities could quickly become problematic given this past weekend’s heavy rain and flash flooding, according to the forecast.
PHOTOS: Flooding reported across Okaloosa County, traffic rerouted on Okaloosa Island
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office shared photos of flooding across the county Monday as a National Weather Service Flood Watch remained in effect until noon.
