Residents Encouraged to Monitor Tropical Storm Delta This Week

Delta is heading into the Gulf, most likely as a hurricane, and the cone right now includes an area from the Texas/Louisiana border to Panama City Florida. We all need to keep an eye on Delta and be prepared.

Residents Encouraged to Monitor Tropical Storm Delta This Week

Escambia County is encouraging residents and visitors to closely monitor official weather sources for information regarding Tropical Storm Delta. The National Weather Service of Mobile is forecasting potential local impacts from Tropical Storm Delta to include tropical storm force winds, high risk of rip currents and high surf as the week progresses. More information on the flag system is available online here.

While it's still too early to determine potential impacts to Escambia County, the latest forecast shows the storm tracking west of the area, with possible tropical storm-force winds forecast to arrive in the western Panhandle Friday morning. Residents are reminded to follow official sources for storm information such as National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center, Escambia County Emergency Management and City of Pensacola.

"We're treating this storm as if it's going to be making landfall here, and forecasts are predicting this will likely be a wind event for us," Emergency Manager Eric Gilmore said. "We're encouraging everyone to make their preparations now, and even if this turns out to be a non-even, we're prepared."

Escambia County Emergency Management is closely monitoring this system. Residents are urged to do the same by monitoring our local media for the most up-to-date forecasts several times a day.

Residents are encouraged to prepare their disaster kits now, which should include seven days of food and water supplies for after the storm arrives. Residents are also encouraged to fuel all vehicles and generators, and prepare all medications needed by family and pets. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time. Remember, this year's disaster kit might need to look a little different if you're planning to go to a shelter—make sure to include face coverings, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.

Sand will be available at the following locations this afternoon:

  • Baars Field Athletic Park - 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola
  • Brent Athletic Park - 4711 N. W St., Pensacola
  • Don Sutton Park - 2320 Crabtree Church Road, Molino
  • Equestrian Center - 7750 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
  • Escambia County Road Department - 601 Highway 297-A, Pensacola 
  • Ferry Pass Middle School - 8355 Yancey Lane, Pensacola, sand will be on the northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street
  • John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park - 555 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola
  • Travis M. Nelson Park - 4541 County Road 4, Pensacola 

The sand is available on a first come, first served basis. Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels to one of the following locations.View map of sand locations here.

With the possible approach of Tropical Storm Delta, the county is focusing debris management collections in the low lying areas that are susceptible to flooding such as Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach.Contractors will still be collecting debris in all areas of the county and have been approved to work additional hours; however, this storm is predicted to make landfall on Friday and residents are encouraged to use the debris collections sites that have been advertised.If residents would like to drop off vegetation, they can do so from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week at the following locations: 

  • Lexington Terrace
  • Baars Field
  • Equestrian Center
  • Park East, Pensacola Beach
  • John R. Jones Park
  • Oak Grove Convenience Center
  • Brent Athletic Park

Follow These Tips to Prepare for a Storm

  • Know Your Zone – Go to BeReadyEscambia.com to find out which evacuation zone you are in. Sign up for alerts on BeReadyEscambia.com. 
  • Know Your Home – Is it newly built – possibly rated for a hurricane? Your safest place may be at home rather than a shelter due to COVID-19. Shelters will be announced later and will have masks and hand sanitizer. 
  • Know Your Plan – plan ahead to stay with loved ones, friends or stay at a hotel away from the area.

Follow these tips to stay safe during severe weather:

  • Pay extra attention to local weather reports until the storm has moved through the area. Be sure to keep your weather radio on and your cell phone charged to ensure you can receive weather alerts. 
  • With the possibility of high winds, it is recommended that any lightweight outside furniture or equipment be secured before dark Thursday evening.
  • Organizations with planned outside activities during this Enhanced Risk period need to be weather aware and take the appropriate actions.
  • In the event of a Tornado Warning, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home or building. Stay away from windows.
  • Turn around, don't drown: In the event of a roadway covered by water, do not attempt to drive over the flooded road. Water depth may be misleading, and you could end up stranded or trapped.

For the latest information on severe weather impacting Escambia County, residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts on myescambia.com, like Escambia County Emergency Management on Facebook and follow @BeReadyEscambia on Twitter.

Stay informed with these additional local resources:

(Graphic from National Hurricane Center)

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