From Franklin County Emergency Management: Invest 93L

Summary: As of 9:00 AM Gulf Invest Area 93L remains somewhat disorganized near the Yucatan Peninsula.  The system will gradually move north into the southern Gulf of Mexico today where it will have an opportunity to organize into a tropical system. The National Hurricane Center is predicting an 80% chance that it becomes a tropical storm within the next 2 days.  A Hurricane Hunter reconnaissance is scheduled to fly into the system this afternoon.  Computer models are gradually getting into better agreement on the eventual track of this system, but are still prone to error due to a lack of a defined center of circulation.  The range of possibilities now lies between east-central Texas and southeast Louisiana.  However, environmental conditions will become increasingly unfavorable and limited intensification is forecast to occur.   The next names on the 2017 Atlantic Storm name list is Bret and Cindy. 

Florida Outlook:  Regardless of track and intensity, the main threat from 93L will be the potential for very heavy rainfall, especially in the Tuesday through Thursday timeframe this week.   Widespread rainfall amounts of 2-4” are expected along the Florida Panhandle, with locally higher amounts possible, especially if the system moves closer to the central U.S. Gulf Coast.  Flood or Flash Flood Watches may be issued later today.  Increased wave heights of 4-8’ are also expected along the Panhandle coast and may lead to minor coastal flooding at times of high tide on Tuesday and Wednesday along with a high risk of rip currents.

We are asking that all citizens who live along the coastline or are prone to surge flooding to take precautionary measures.  This includes but is not limited to:

1. Secure yard items such as chairs, umbrellas, etc.
2. Secure Boats and Vehicles – This includes moving to higher ground.
3. Make sure your disaster kit is ready and accessible.
4. Do Not Drive Cars Through Flooded Areas.  If you see Flood Waters…. REMEMBER TO TURN AROUND AND DO NOT DROWN.

Please monitor the weather closely for the next several days. 

There is an elevated risk of Rip Current for the next several days.  Please Use Caution! 

Franklin County Emergency Management continues to monitor this storm closely.  If you have any questions:

• Visit our website at www.franklinemergencymanagement.com
• Sign up for Alert Franklin.   
• Be sure to LIKE our Facebook page for updates
• You are also welcome to contact us at 850-653-8977.

Pamela Brownell

Emergency Management Director