IMPORTANT WEATHER UPDATES
· An emergency flash flood warning is in effect until 8 a.m.
· According to the National Weather Service in Mobile, Santa Rosa County received an estimated 17 inches of rain in the last 30 hours.
· Rain is expected in our area until mid-morning Wednesday, April 30.
· Many low-lying areas of the county are flooded and are expected to remain flooded tonight and into the morning as residents are preparing to leave for work.
· Residents are urged to stay off the roads if possible. County-wide road flooding continues. Standing water creates a serious road hazard including road damage that may not be visible. Additionally, the wake from passing cars can cause the homes on the street greater flooding.
· Do not remove road barricades on closed roads or bridges. Even after the water has receded, public works crews must complete safety inspections.
Please call 9-1-1 for emergencies only. The Citizen Information Line is open for
your questions at (850) 983-INFO or 4636.
Rivers
A flash flood warning has been issued for Big Coldwater Creek. The river is at minor flood stage of 10 feet and is expected to crest at 11 feet.
Residents living in the lower portion of Pond Creek should monitor the water levels in their area, including water levels on the roads leading to their home. Remember conditions can change very quickly and impassable roads may prevent any necessary evacuations.
The Blackwater and Yellow Rivers are not currently forecast to reach flood stage.
Santa Rosa County Actions
· All county offices will be closed Wednesday, April 30. Essential employees are to report to work.
Dangerous road conditions can be reported to the Santa Rosa County Road and Bridge Department at (850) 626-0191.
County staff will begin to assess damages and make repairs as soon as it is light and safe to do so.
The declaration of local state of emergency was signed at 10 p.m., April 29. A declaration will allow the county to implement protective actions if needed.
· The Santa Rosa County Emergency Operations Center is currently at a level 2 activation, or partial activation with essential personnel.
· Residents with flood damage to their home can report damage online at http://santarosa.fl.gov/EmergencyNEW/WebDamage.cfm or by calling (850) 983-5360.
Shelter Openings
Milton Community Center, 5629 Byrom Street in Milton. Current shelter population: 7
Community Life Center, 4115 Soundside Drive, Gulf Breeze
Those needing transportation to the shelter can call (850) 983-INFO or 4626.
Schools
The Santa Rosa County School District has canceled school for Wednesday, April 30 due to unsafe road conditions.
Due to severe weather conditions, all Pensacola State College campuses and centers will be closed Wednesday, April 30. This includes all classes, events, and campus activities.
Due to severe weather conditions, all University of West Florida campuses will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, April 30. This includes all classes, events, campus activities and online courses.
Additional information regarding events and classes will be released as soon as it is available.
Closed Roads
· Intersection of Ward Basin Road and Hickory Hammock Road in East Milton
· Hilarita Circle in Pace
· Hamilton Bridge on Hamilton Bridge Road in Pace.
Intersection of Hwy. 98 and Green Briar Parkway in Gulf Breeze
Intersection of Diamond Street and Floridatown Road due to compromised roadway in Pace
Street erosion reported in 3900 block of Vivian Court in Pace
East Bay Blvd./399 between Moss Cove and Paso de Vivoz in Navarre
Pace Patriot Road in Pace
Whiting Field Circle in Milton
Giddens Road in Pace
Intersection of Chumuckla Highway and Howell Pit Road in Chumuckla
Intersection of North Spencerfield and West Spencerfield Roads
Intersection of Chumuckla Highway and Norris Road in Pace due to compromised roadway
U.S. Hwy. 98 between Ortega Park Drive and Pullum Street
U.S. Hwy. 90 from Woodbine Road to the Glover Lane area
Storm Injuries
One person was transported to Gulf Breeze Hospital with symptoms of near drowning from the Gulf Breeze Publix parking lot. No other details are known.
Damage
Numerous houses reporting flooding county-wide, no estimates are available at this time
House fire in the 3900 block of Wiley Penton in Pace
House fire on 7200 Bayshore Drive in Waterview Estates
Six campers stranded at the KOA Campgrounds, 8700 Gulf Pines Drive in Milton. They are being transported to the Milton Community Center Shelter.
Septic Tanks
If your septic tank has been flooded, it is likely that your toilets will not flush. Flushing may cause the untreated sewage to back-up into your home.
It is safest to wait until the water recedes before trying to flush toilets.
Depending on the amount of flooding or damage to your system, you may need to have a professional repair or servicing once the water recedes and the ground is less saturated.
General Safety Information
www.santarosa.fl.gov or follow us on Twitter at @SRCBOCC
Please monitor your home weather radio and local media outlets for the most up-to-date information.
Your best defense in any disaster is a NOAA Weather radio.
Citizens can signup to automatically receive breaking news alerts from Santa Rosa County Emergency Management via e-mail or as a text message on their cell phone at: www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency/publicwarning.html.
