TROPICAL STORM FRED MAKES LANDFALL AT CAPE SAN BLAS, FL… Tropical Storm Fred has made landfall this afternoon near Cape San Blas in southern Gulf County. Fred has 65 mph maximum sustained winds, with these higher wind values happening in squalls offshore. Heavy rain and gusty winds are set to continue over the next several hours across much of the Florida Panhandle, southeast Alabama, and southwest Georgia. A tornado risk continues for areas near and east of the center of Fred.
SCATTERED STORMS HAPPENING LOCALLY… The heavier, more consistent rain associated with landfalling Tropical Storm Fred is happening in Walton, Bay, Gulf, Calhoun, Washington (FL), Holmes, and Jackson counties in the Florida Panhandle region. Locally, we are seeing scattered pop-up thunderstorms across south Alabama and northwest Florida that are moving southwest around the counterclockwise circulation associated with Fred.
NO TORNADO RISK LOCALLY… A Tornado Watch continues for Bay County and points east in the Florida Panhandle, but there is simply no tornado risk at this point for southwest Alabama or northwest Florida west of Santa Rosa Beach in Walton County. The center of Fred will continue to move north and ultimately NNE later today, thus keeping the tornado risk to our east.
DOUBLE RED FLAGS AT MANY LOCAL BEACHES… Arguably, the most significant impact from Tropical Storm Fred in our local area will be the danger of rip currents at the Alabama and northwest Florida beaches. Many (if not all) local beaches are flying double red flags today, meaning Gulf waters are closed to the public. Please do not get in the Gulf today as numerous rip currents and high waves continue to happen.
APP ALERTS… If you haven’t already, be sure to download the free RedZone Weather app to keep up with all the latest information on the world of weather in south Alabama and northwest Florida. redzoneweather.com/app is the link for the free download. Once you have the app downloaded to your iOS or Android device, be sure to visit the Alerts tab (lower right corner) and tap the large, yellow Alert Settings button to customize the alerts you would like to receive straight from me.
Have a good Monday evening!
