This one looks like it will blow up quickly once it reaches the open Gulf. Looks like the Governor is declaring a state of emergency. This is the kind of storm that may come in quicker than an evacuation can take place. Let’s hope it turns more east.
When TS Alberto blew in, it seemed to blow the yellow flies to smithereens. Let's hope Michael will get rid of the red tide. I grew up over Biloxi way, and don't remember the coincidence of red tide and a TS/H. Any of the lifetimers here ever remember red tide when a storm blows in and what happens? Does it just spread it into the hinterlands or churn it away?
" “The hopeful one is that strong winds from the hurricane blow red tide offshore,” says Hastings. But if Tropical Storm Michael turns into a rain maker, it could be bad news . “The heavy rain will dilute farm and agriculture areas of all the nutrients, nitrates, phosphates and rain them into the beaches and coastal areas that serve to fertilize the red tide, exactly what we don’t want,” explains Hastings. Dr. Hastings says heavy rain and runoff could turn the already 145-mile-long bloom that stretches more than 10 miles out into the Gulf into an even bigger algae bloom. “If there are a lot of nutrients released into the water from the heavy rain, it would be a bad thing and it doesn’t matter how close the storm is. I think it’s a likely possibility,” says Hastings. With millions of dollars going towards research, Dr. Hastings says it’s time money went to better regulation. “Eight to 10 years ago, our water management districts were excellent, were better at monitoring, but in the last eight to 10 years, we’ve seen a decrease in monitoring and a decrease in concern for the nutrients going into the ocean,” says Hastings.
Stay safe everyone! My bags are still packed. We were on our way at 6am this morning but have decided to hold off. I am thinking about all of you! Praying!
Hey COS! Thanks for checking in. So sorry about the trip delay! Hopefully you can get down here soon. The Red tide has been pretty bad here lately.
Anybody know where gas is available in SoWal? Is there a reference web site for gas availability in our area. Convenience store clerks just looked at me and laughed when I asked when their truck as scheduled. Difficult for visitors to evacuate when gas availability is zero
Drive 25 miles north on 331 and purchase all the fuel you want. I went to gas station on hwy 90 ( away from interstate) and didn’t even have to wait in line.
I assume crowded - will be a good test of the new 4 lane - probably get backed up at Defuniak Springs. At some point they may have 4 lanes open north if needed. Probably won't be though. All bridges north, east and west close when sustained winds are about 30mph.
I've heard different stories on that. I always thought it was 35mph, and earlier today I was told 40mph. No big deal, I was just wondering what was official.
Evacuations and Re-Entry | Walton County, FL - Home Page Evacuation Routes From the South End of the County - Northward All traffic will travel northward on U.S. Highway 331 - the only north-south route in Walton County, FL. All traffic originating along the beaches will converge onto U.S. Highway 331 from U.S. Highway 98 and cross over the Clyde B. Wells Bridge (also called the Choctawhatchee Bay Bridge.) This bridge will close when sustained winds reach 40 mph, meaning there is no means of leaving south Walton County because Bay and Okaloosa counties also close their bridges at Phillips Inlet (to our east) and at the Destin East Pass (to our west). Once in DeFuniak Springs, motorists can take Interstate 10 East or West or proceed on U.S. 331 North to Alabama. What You'll Need to Do In your family plan, map out your route to shelters or locations out of the area. Be familiar with alternate routes. Have local meeting places and an out-of-town contact in case family members are separated. Monitor local news media for instructions about evacuation. If told to evacuate, do so quickly. Follow evacuation route instructions. Bring your disaster supply kit. Keep your vehicle filled with gas at all times. Never store additional gasoline in your home or vehicle. Lock your home. Leave a note stating when you left, where you are going and contact numbers. Check on elderly relatives and friends who may need your assistance. Contact your out-of-area contact about your plans. If instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving. Remember, if you shut off gas, a professional must turn it back on. Enact your pet safety plan. For those living south of the Choctawhatchee Bay, the only evacuation route is U.S. 331. It is estimated it will take at least 30 hours to evacuate all residents and visitors from south Walton. Remember, the Choctawhatchee Bay bridge (Clyde B. Wells Bridge) will CLOSE when sustained winds reach 40 mph! Returning to Walton County after an Evacuation Access to south Walton County may be restricted immediately after the storm. The Clyde B. Wells Bridge (also known as the Choctawhatchee Bay Bridge) will remain closed until inspections by the Florida Department of Transportation are done and it is deemed safe for travel. Emergency Response and damage assessment operations after the storm must be completed before the general public can be allowed back into the area. Residents of south Walton should have with them proof of their residency such as a drivers license with a south Walton address. Persons employed in the area should contact their employer for returning instructions and information. Be aware and stay clear of disaster recovery operations. Avoid downed power lines, flooded or damaged roads and potentially unsafe buildings. Remember, wildlife such as snakes and other wild animals look for refuge in storms and may have made your home their safe haven during the storm.
I would imagine that the little section of road to Cape San Blas that people like to call the "stump hole" (but which is more aptly called the "rock pile") will almost certainly wash out, leaving a lot of people with no access to the cape for a long time. It will be rebuilt (most of the real estate taxes for the county come from the cape) but it takes time. There will be some houses / condos lost, most of which where already in danger from erosion. Keep your insurance agent's phone number handy.
Yes - stump hole will be gone for sure. Always wondering what would happen to that area when a major one hit. Been vacationing there for years. So sad. Hoping it blows out some before hitting land. Stay safe!!!
