Active AlertsCape San Blas Lighthouse, FL
Extreme Cold Watch
Wind Advisory
What: For the Wind Advisory, northwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected. For the Extreme Cold Watch, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 7 above possible.
Where: Coastal Gulf County.
When: For the Wind Advisory, from 1 AM EST /midnight CST/ Saturday to 10 AM EST /9 AM CST/ Sunday. For the Extreme Cold Watch, from Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon.
Impacts: Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. An extended period of freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes.
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects. Wear protective clothing such as a hat, facemask and heavy gloves or mittens if you have plans to be outdoors. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates.
Rip Current Statement
What: Dangerous rip currents expected.
Where: Walton, Bay, Gulf, and Franklin County Beaches.
When: From Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon.
Impacts: Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
Additional Details: Surf heights are expected to further increase for Gulf County beaches on Saturday. A High Surf Advisory is likely to be issued in future updates.
Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.