Hurricane Sally Update #1

Read the complete update from the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center here.

City of Pensacola Information

Mayor Grover Robinson issued Declaration of State of Emergency 20-04 Monday, Sept. 14, declaring a local state of emergency due to Hurricane Sally.
City of Pensacola offices are closed Tuesday, Sept. 15, and City of Pensacola Sanitation customers will experience a change in their pickup schedule for the remainder of the week.
Pensacola International Airport will close at 6 p.m. tonight, Monday, Sept. 14.
City of Pensacola real-time road closures map: View the City of Pensacola road closures map here.

As a reminder, 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 must go to a shelter—make sure to include face coverings, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.

With possible flooding forecast for our area, please do not drive into hazardous flood water and remember to Turn Around Don't Drown®. Follow these flood safety tips:

Get to higher ground – Get out of areas subject to flooding.
Do not drive into water – Do not drive or walk into flooded areas. It only takes 6" of water to knock you off your feet and 2 feet of water to carry away a vehicle.
Stay informed – Monitor local radar, television, weather radio, internet or social media for updates.

Weather Update from National Weather Service/National Hurricane Center

Visit nhc.noaa.gov/#Sally for the latest information.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Escambia County.
A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for Escambia County.
At 4 p.m. CDT, the center of Hurricane Sally was located about 105 miles (170 km) east of the mouth of the Mississippi River and about 145 miles (230 km) southeast of Biloxi, Mississippi. Sally is moving toward the west-northwest near 6 mph (9 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue through tonight. A northward turn is expected by Tuesday, and a slow north-northeastward to northeastward motion is expected Tuesday night through Wednesday night.
On the forecast track, the center of Sally will move near the coast of southeastern Louisiana tonight and Tuesday, and make landfall in the hurricane warning area on late Tuesday or Wednesday.
Data from reconnaissance aircraft indicate that the maximum sustained winds have increased to near 100 mph (155 km/h) with higher gusts - a category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Additional strengthening is forecast tonight and early Tuesday, and Sally is expected to be a dangerous hurricane when it moves onshore along the north-central Gulf coast.
Hurricane conditions are expected to begin within the hurricane warning area late tonight and Tuesday.
A Flash Flood Watch for Escambia County is in effect through Thursday morning.
A potentially long duration of excessive rain could lead to flooding, with 10 to 15 inches of rain expected through Wednesday.
High rip current risk through the end of the week.
High surf of 8-12 feet through the end of the week.
Isolated tornadoes possible.

Storm Preparation Actions You Can Take Now

Review/make your family plan. Need help? Read more on how to care for your family here.
Know your zone. Look up your address online here. You can search by address or parcel number and then look for the “Emergency Management Report.” The address function is self-populating, so type slowly and then choose the address from the drop down list.
Restock your disaster kit supplies/get a kit. Your disaster kit should have at least three days of nonperishable food and three gallons of water for each person and pet in your home, along with other supplies. Click here to see our latest disaster kit shopping list.
Prep your yard. As we are entering the height of hurricane season, it is also recommended that residents take a few minutes to inspect their home and yard. Check for, fix or remove loose items on your home and sheds. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and down spouts. Trim trees and shrubs around your home.
Stay informed. Things can change quickly. Be sure you take time every day to monitor the local media. Escambia County also has several tools available for our residents. Learn more here. Monitor local media and legitimate online and social media sources like Escambia County Emergency Management, US National Weather Service Mobile, and NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center.

For more information or general questions, email pio@cityofpensacola.com. To stay informed about what's happening with City of Pensacola government, sign up for email or text notifications through Notify Me or follow @CityofPensacola on social media.