The Walton County Sheriff’s Emergency Operations Center EOC is currently at Level 1 activation status. As of 1:30 P.M., the following information was provided:
• Our area is currently under a tropical storm warning.
• Currently, the storm is tracking to make landfall somewhere near or around New Orleans, La.
• The Clyde B. Wells Bridge remains open with fluid traffic flow until further notice. It is recommended that residents and visitors refrain from travelling southbound when possible as there is still the potential for a bridge closing.
• Winds from this storm currently extend approximately 200 miles from the center.
• The first bands from the storm are currently approaching our area.
• Double red flags have been posted for all Walton County beaches in anticipation of degrading weather situations. Lifeguards will remain on duty throughout the rest of Monday.
• Walton County could expect sustained winds from 35-45 mph with gusts up to 55 mph, with a moderate threat of tornadoes increasing on Tuesday.
• Walton County could expect moderate erosion with wave heights between reaching a potential 16 feet with an average of 10 feet and a storm surge of 3-5 feet.
• Rain totals for Walton County have diminished and are anticipated to be in the neighborhood of 6-10 inches on the coast and 4 to 6 inches inland.
• Walton County can expect the largest impact from storm surge Tuesday morning with weather picking up early Monday evening.
• Currently, the only shelter open in the county is at Freeport High School. This is a special needs/general public shelter. Red Cross is present at the shelter.
• Waste Management will continue normal pickup for Monday and schedules for Tuesday will be determined later today.
• At this time, there are no scheduled road closures. Coastal roads, including Highway 98 and County Highway 30-A, are open at this time.
• There have been no changes in current evacuation orders. This will continue to be evaluated.