Hurricane Isaias Updates & Info + Photos

Do we have to pronounce Isaias that weird way, or can we fake it and call it Isaiah?

Do we have to pronounce Isaias that weird way, or can we fake it and call it Isaiah?

He is come from Mexican, so I think it's Spanish.

Tropical Weather Update from WCEM

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. – Oct. 7 – As of 5 a.m. EDT, Tropical Depression Nine has intensified to Tropical Storm Isaias. Isaias is forecasted to strengthen rapidly, becoming a hurricane by Thursday and approaching the northern Gulf Coast on Friday. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for our area.

The exact track, intensity, and local impacts remain uncertain, and the forecast may change.

Potential threats include damaging winds, storm surge, power outages, and heavy rainfall that could cause flooding.

Walton County residents should continue to monitor the forecast throughout the week and review their preparedness plans.

Sign up for ALERTWalton to receive important local notifications: www.mywaltonfl.gov/1369/AlertWalton

WCEM will continue monitoring the system closely and will share additional information as the forecast becomes clearer.

For official weather information, follow US National Weather Service Tallahassee Florida and NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center

With the storm approaching, we know you may have questions. We've put together answers to some frequently asked questions — including evacuation status, shelters and other emergency service — to help you prepare and stay informed. Please click HERE to view the FAQ.

You can fake it, just like the Gulf of America.

Tropical Tidbits reporting is quite detailed.

Stay safe SoWal!

Tropical Tidbits reporting is quite detailed.

Dr Cowan is quite possibly the best resource available for Atlantic hurricane information. I have been following him for years. He is amazing.

Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 25 counties in Northwest Florida and the Big Bend region ahead of potential impacts from Tropical Depression 9.

That includes Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.
“This order will allow the Florida Division of Emergency Management to stage critical preparedness resources and ensure Florida is ready to respond,” said DeSantis. “Floridians should take this time to get disaster plans in place and ensure their hurricane supply kit is stocked.”

DeSantis says state emergency response teams are currently mobilizing resources to support storm preparation and response efforts.

Walton County Schools are closed Today and tomorrow - Oct. 8 & 9.

Many businesses and governement offices will be closed tomorrow and possibly beyond.

HURRICANE ISAIAS UPDATE

Walton County Board of County Commissioners, Florida has issued a MANDATORY EVACUATION for Zones A, B, & C, beginning today at 12:00 PM Central Time.

All Walton County offices will also be closing today at 12:00 PM Central Time.

Not sure what evacuation zone your property is in?
Please use the link below to find your zone:

For more weather updates please follow our Walton County Emergency Management page and the US National Weather Service Tallahassee Florida.

If you have questions or need assistance, we are here to help! Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Stay safe. Stay informed. Stay prepared.

Walton County Emergency Management has clarified the closure protocol for the Clyde B. Wells (US 331) Bridge.

Walton County EM officials say the bridge is open currently.

The closure of the bridge is decided the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement. This is determined by sustained wind speeds of 40 mph.

You can check for closures here.

Walton County Commissioners and Walton County Emergency Management met to discuss potential evacuations.

A mandatory evacuation has been ordered for Evacuation Zones A, B, and C at noon.

Walton County Emergency Management is issuing a mandatory evacuation. A mandatory evacuation is issued when an immediate threat to life exists. Residents must evacuate as directed by local officials. Emergency services may be suspended in affected areas and response times could be delayed for hours or days. Utilities including power, water, and phone service may be unavailable for extended periods. Those who remain should be prepared to self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. For additional information, please visit Walton County EM on Facebook or call the Community Information Center at 850-8928394.

yikes

Hurricane Isaias FAQ

UPDATED Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026
Is Walton County under any Watches or Warnings?
Yes, Walton County is currently under a Hurricane WARNING. A Hurricane WARNING is issued when sustained winds of 64 knots (73 mph) or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in approximately 36 hours. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal

flooding, and/or river flooding. We encourage you to continue to monitor local media, the National Weather Service, Walton County Social Media, and sign up for AlertWalton at www.alertwalton.org .
Is the Clyde B. Wells (US 331) Bridge Closed?

NO. The bridge is open. Department of Transportation (FDOT) close bridges at a windspeed of 40 mph SUSTAINED. Conditions can change at a moment’s notice giving little to no warning that the bridge will close.
At what wind speed is the Clyde B. Wells (US 331) Bridge closed?

The bridge is closed at sustained 40 MPH winds.
What kind of warning can I get for the bridge closing?

Bridge closure decisions are made by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida Highway Patrol, and Local Law Enforcement based on current conditions. Little to no warning could be issued due to the fast-changing nature of weather systems.
How can I find out about any Walton County road closures?

Verified road closures can be viewed at https://perimetermap.com/walton-fl.
We are planning on coming into the area for vacation should we still come?
Walton County cannot make that decision for you. Walton County is under a Hurricane Warning, with Mandatory Evacuations in Zones A, B and C. This situation is fluid and subject to change at a moment’s notice. Continue to monitor news media, the National Weather Service, and

Walton County Emergency Management to stay up-to-date.

Beach Tram Service in South Walton has been suspended until conditions improve. All beach and bay accesses and parking facilities have been closed temporarily.
Where can I get updates on what the County is doing during?
To receive updates on County actions during a disaster like a hurricane follow our social media
accounts - Facebook: Walton County Emergency Management -

www.facebook.com/WaltonCountyEM
Are schools closed in Walton County?

Walton County School District are closed today, Thursday, Oct. 8 through Friday, Oct. 9. For more information, please LIKE @Walton County School District on Facebook.
Where can I get official Hurricane Forecasts?

Official tropical cyclone forecasts can be found at www.nhc.noaa.gov . Walton County Emergency Management social media will be updated when an active tropical cyclone has the potential to impact Walton County.
Where are the shelters located within Walton County?

Our primary shelter at Freeport High School, 12615 Business Highway 331 in Freeport, opened at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8. This shelter is for general population, special needs and is pet-friendly (dogs and cats, only).
Are there any evacuations for Walton County?

Mandatory Evacuation orders are issued for Zones A, B and C, effective at noon on Thursday, Oct. 8. To find your evacuation zone visit Zone Lookup
Is there a Local State of Emergency?
A Local State of Emergency (LSE) within Walton County for Hurricane Isaias was issued at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 7. You can find all Local States of emergencies and Emergency Orders on our website: www.WaltonCountyEM.org

What should I do if a Hurricane or Tropical Storm is forecast to impact Walton
County?
If a hurricane is forecast to impact Walton County, it is important that you monitor Walton
County Emergency Management social media, local media, and the National Weather Service.
Follow any protective actions that are called for. Be sure to have a fully stocked disaster supply

kit ready and have a disaster plan for you, your family, or your business.
How can I tell if I live in an evacuation zone?
To determine if you live in an evacuation zone, got to this link -

You can find the county evacuation map at this link - Walton County Emergency Management | Walton County, FL - Home Page
Are there any sandbag stations available?
Public Works has prepared FOUR sandbag stations in Walton County. Please see below for the
locations:
South Walton Locations -
1. Blue Mountain Beach at the District 5 Road Department on 924 County Road 83 S
2. Miramar Beach at Corner of US 98 and Professional Place
3. Freeport - Freeport Governmental Complex: vacant lot off Blue Ridge Parkway
4. DeFuniak Springs - Woodyard Pit: at the end of Vines Road
What should I have in my disaster supply kit?
• At a minimum you should have AT LEAST THREE (3) DAYS WORTH of the following items in
your disaster supply kit:
• Water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Non-Perishable Food
• Manual Can Opener
• Battery Powered or hand cranked radio NOAA Weather Radio

Wow that was intense. How did everyone hold up? Any damage? I'm afraid our neighbors to the west got hit hard. I imagine we have a lot of beach erosion but not too much structural damage. Anyone have power?