(The Center Square) – Tropical Depression Two is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm Monday, bringing heavy rain, dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents to Florida’s Panhandle, forecasters said.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the entire Panhandle coastline from Franklin County to Escambia County. While a Florida landfall is not likely, the National Weather Service in Tallahassee is forecasting rain, gusty showers, rip-currents and heavy surf.
“The main impacts across the northeast Gulf Coast will continue to revolve around bands of gusty showers. A few of the rain bands may pose a tornado threat in the coastal Florida Big Bend, otherwise a brief tropical storm gusts to 35 or 40 mph,” the NWS said Monday.
The threat of tornadoes exists Monday afternoon into the night with the potential for tornado damage and disruptions to power along the Big Bend. Meanwhile, residents and visitors are being dissuaded from swimming during any periods of high surf and to follow beach flag recommendations.
Surf heights are expected to build up to nine feet by the middle of the week, according to the NWS. Rip current risk will be high at beaches along the Panhandle.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management said Apalachicola Bay could see some minor coastal flooding, and the National Hurricane Center said areas along the Gulf Coast could see flash flooding through Friday
As of early Monday afternoon, the NHC was tracking the storm about 110 miles south of Panama City moving at 3 mph toward the northwest.
A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for Alabama, Mississippi, and southeastern Louisiana coasts, where storm surge could be “life-threatening.”
With the Tropical Storm Watch in effect, Escambia County Emergency Management announced it was making sand available for residents living in flood-prone areas on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Santa Rosa County announced it was postponing its Tropical Town Hall that was scheduled for Tuesday at the county’s emergency operations center.
“While we’re disappointed to postpone this event, our priority is ensuring the safety of our residents and allowing our staff to remain focused on monitoring Tropical Depression #2 and preparing for any potential impacts,” said Tom Lloyd, Director of Santa Rosa County Public Safety. “We encourage everyone to use this time to review their hurricane plans, gather emergency supplies, and stay informed as the forecast develops.”
