Gulf system could bring heavy rain to Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa County could see another 5 to 7 inches of rain from a disorganized weather system in the southwestern Gulf, and residents should use the next few days to make sure they are ready, according to forecasters from the National Weather Service in Mobile.
“For now, it’s just a watch and wait,” said meteorologist Jack Cullen.
As of noon Tuesday, the system has not yet developed and is a little more than a mass of clouds, Cullen said. But that is expected to change. The National Hurricane Center in Miami has given the system a 90 percent chance to develop within the next week.
With further development, the storm would be named Isaias and would be the ninth named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
The system is expected to drift eastward before turning north and impacting the northern Gulf Coast. Forecasters say that areas from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle should monitor the situation closely.
As for local impacts, rainfall and rip currents could be the biggest threat. In southern Santa Rosa County, areas have seen up to nearly 2 feet of rainfall over the weekend and could see another half-foot, with local areas possibly seeing more.
“It all depends on the movement and strength of the system,” Cullen said.
As for coastal effects, the National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a high risk of rip currents that will last until Saturday. Coastal flooding will also be a concern.
According to the National Hurricane Center, forecasters are scheduled to complete reconnaissance flights over the next two days to fine-tune upcoming forecasts.
With forecasters waiting for more information, Cullen urged residents to check hurricane supplies now rather than wait for the system to organize, noting that hurricane season doesn’t end until Nov. 30.
“Now’s the time to double-check and prepare if you need to,” he said.
Cullen also urged residents to follow reliable sources for storm information rather than look at their “brother’s uncles” on social media.
In Santa Rosa County, residents and visitors can sign up for AlertSantaRosa, which is a free emergency notification system that allows those who sign up to get notifications on severe weather and evacuation notices.
To sign up for the service, text “SANTAROSAFL” to 888777.
More information, such as current surf conditions, can be found at the county’s website.