Santa Rosa County: Severe weather update (1 p.m. March 14)

Below is a summary of the potential impacts:

IMPACT #1 – Severe Storms Possible Tonight, March 14

Isolated severe thunderstorms, capable of producing damaging winds and large hail, are possible between 10 p.m. Friday, March 14, and 6 a.m. Saturday, March 15. While confidence of widespread isolated thunderstorms is low, the weather will have the potential to become severe quickly.

IMPACT #2 – Severe Thunderstorms Likely on Saturday, March 15

Isolated supercells are expected to develop late Saturday morning through the afternoon ahead of a squall line (or broken line of storms) that will swing across the area from west to east. Strong long-track tornadoes, strong winds (35 to 45 mph or more), and large hail are all possible. Impacts from isolated storms are expected during the afternoon, with a line of storms moving through the area during the late afternoon Saturday through the early morning hours on Sunday.

The timing and coverage of thunderstorms Friday night into Saturday morning will impact the severe potential later in the day. If storms don’t develop or end before sunrise, the environment will support significant severe thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening (most likely scenario). If storms develop and linger on Saturday morning, this could contaminate the environment leading into Saturday, limiting the severity of storms (less likely scenario).

There is also a high risk of rip currents, high surf, and coastal flooding from Friday through Saturday.

Closures:

The Navarre Beach Pier will be closed on Saturday, March 15, due to the expected severe weather.

Prepare now for severe weather. Make sure all family members know the plan.

• Have multiple ways of receiving alerts.
• Clean up any items in your yard that may become projectiles due to high winds. This includes patio furniture, decorations and plants.
• Every home should have a NOAA weather radio, the first line of defense before relying on alerts through a smartphone.
• Smartphone weather apps are also an excellent delivery source of severe weather information and other disaster updates – especially in the overnight hours. Santa Rosa County’s alert app – com– provides updates on emergency incidents (hazardous materials as well as severe weather) in the county at addresses of your choice (work, school, home, etc).
• Be sure that you have not disabled your alerts on your phone and that it is fully charged and within reach. If you use the “Do Not Disturb” feature on your phone at night, turn it off so that any emergency calls may come through.
• Have a kit with supplies ready to go when a tornado warning is issued. Suggested items to include are:
• A bike helmet or some form of head protection for each family member.
• A flashlight or electric lantern.
• Charged cell phone power bank.
• A whistle or air horn in the event you are trapped under debris.
• First aid kit.
• Know where you will go (interior rooms, basement – never a car or mobile home) if a tornado warning is issued and don’t forget your pets!

For current weather events, visit www.weather.gov/mob. For information on preparing for disasters, visit www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency. Follow Santa Rosa County Emergency Management on Facebook for weather updates.