Hurricane Zeta Update at noon, Wednesday, Oct. 28

Current Situation

• On Tuesday, Oct. 27, Escambia County issued resolution R2020-152, declaring a local state of emergency.
• Mayor Grover Robinson issued Declaration of State of Emergency 20-06 on Tuesday, Oct. 27 for the City of Pensacola. 
• Escambia County Emergency Operation Center has been activated at a level 2 due to COVID-19 and will be activated for Hurricane Zeta beginning Wednesday, Oct. 28.
• Public works crews are implementing their storm preparation protocol which includes fueling of equipment, stocking vehicles, placing employees on standby for after-hours road clearing, removing trash cans and lifeguard towers from Pensacola Beach and checking drainage systems.
• County offices will be open on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at normal hours.
• The Perdido Landfill will run a normal schedule on Wednesday, Oct. 28 and Thursday, Oct. 29 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

"The Escambia County Emergency Operations Center is activated and closely monitoring Zeta's path," said Emergency Manager Eric Gilmore. "We hope everyone has taken the time to prepare for a high wind event with the possibility for tornadoes. Everyone should be in their safe place by 5 p.m. tonight while the storm is expected to hit our area tonight. There is still time to make sure you are safely sheltered."

Weather Update from National Weather Service/National Hurricane Center

• Zeta is forecast to make landfall along the southeast Louisiana coast this afternoon/evening and quickly move across our region tonight.
• Zeta will most likely move into south MS as a hurricane and still be a strong tropical storm as it moves into our area.
• Threat of storm surge 2-4 ft. with a high risk of rip currents and 10-15 ft. surf in our area.
• Potential impacts include damaging winds, dangerous surf, rainfall of 2-3 inches and tornadoes
• Potential for downed trees and powerlines
• Scattered power outages are likely
• Summary of Watches/Warnings/Advisories In Effect: 
  • Tropical Storm Warning – Entire area
  • Storm Surge Warning – Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, and Santa Rosa Counties
  • Coastal Flood Advisory – Okaloosa County
  • High Rip Current and High Surf Warning – Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties
  • Flash Flood Watch – Along and west of I-65 

Safety Tips 

• 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. 

Sand is still available at the following locations: 

• 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 serve basis. Residents must bring their own sandbags and shovels to one of the following locations. View map of sand locations here. 

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. 

Traffic Conditions 

• Check for Escambia County road closures 24/7 at myescambia.com/roadissuesmap. 
• Escambia County works law enforcement to close bridges for safety at sustained (not gusts) wind speeds of 39 miles per hour or greater.
• For real-time road closures in the City of Pensacola, click here.

City of Pensacola Updates

• City of Pensacola residents are asked not to place additional debris curbside until after Tropical Storm Zeta moves through the Gulf Coast and is no longer a threat to the Pensacola area. Sanitation customers should also secure their garbage and recycling cans and not place them curbside until after the storm has passed.
• The following City of Pensacola offices and facilities will be closed to the public at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 28 due to Tropical Storm Zeta:
  • City of Pensacola administrative offices
  • City Hall

Click here to view the complete update from Escambia County Emergency Management.

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.

For updates from the City of Pensacola, sign up for email or text notifications through Notify Me, like City of Pensacola Government on Facebook and follow @cityofpensacola on Twitter.