At 6:40 a.m. EST today, Tropical Storm Ida made landfall on Dauphin Island, Alabama. As of 7 a.m. Ida was located 25 miles south of Mobile, Alabama. Maximum winds were near 45 mph. Ida is moving toward the northeast at 9 mph.
Tropical Storm force wind gusts extend out 175 miles from the center of Ida.
Lake Wind and Wind Advisories are in effect for much of the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend regions today for expected sustained winds of 25-30 mph and gusts to 40 mph. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the western Panhandle counties.
Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should stay out of the water as deadly rip currents and rough surf conditions will persist today.
CURRENT SITUATION / STATE ACTIONS
The State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee remains activated to a Level 1, or full activation status to monitor Tropical Storm Ida and assist impacted counties.
The Florida Emergency Information Line (FEIL) remains activated. The number is 800-342-3557. The Attorney General has activated the Price Gouging Hotline: 866-9-NO-SCAM.
Governor Charlie Crist issued Executive Order 09-243 declaring a State of Emergency on Monday.
State Emergency Response Team Regional Coordinators and Liaisons are located in counties throughout the Panhandle and will continue coordinating with local officials.
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for all areas of Northwest Florida.
There is a high risk of rip currents today along Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic Coast.
The main threats from Ida are high winds, local flooding, heavy rain and isolated tornadoes. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated maximum amounts up to 6 inches are possible.
RECOMMENDED PUBLIC ACTIONS
Florida Gulf Coast residents and visitors should visit the Florida Highway Safety Road Closure Web site www.flhsmv.gov/offices/HSMV.htm to check on local road closures before leaving their homes or call the Florida Emergency Information Line at 800-342-3557.
If you approach a flooded roadway while driving, remember “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” It only takes a few feet of water to knock most cars off the road.
Avoid and report any downed power lines and do not allow children to play in flood waters.
By taking a few common sense measures over the next few days, we can safely survive the effects of Tropical Storm Ida. To Get A Plan! go to www.FloridaDisaster.org today.
“It is vitally important that residents practice safety measures as we assess the damages caused by Tropical Storm Ida,” said Interim Director Ruben D. Almaguer. “Beware of downed power lines, rip currents and flooded streets. Remember Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
Contact: State EOC Media Office # 850-921-0217
