PUBLIC INFORMATION:

Hurricane Zeta 5:30 p.m. Update for Wednesday, Oct. 28

• On Tuesday, Oct. 27, Escambia County issued resolution R2020-152, declaring a local state of emergency.
• Mayor Grover Robinson issued Declaration of State of Emergency 20-06 on Tuesday, Oct. 27 for the City of Pensacola. 
• Escambia County Emergency Operation Center has been activated at a level 2 due to COVID-19 and will be activated for Hurricane Zeta beginning Wednesday, Oct. 28.
• Public works crews are implementing their storm preparation protocol which includes fueling of equipment, stocking vehicles, placing employees on standby for after-hours road clearing, removing trash cans and lifeguard towers from Pensacola Beach and checking drainage systems.
• Escambia County plans to be open and operating in normal capacity on Thursday, Oct. 29.
• The Perdido Landfill will run a normal schedule on Wednesday, Oct. 28 and Thursday, Oct. 29 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• As of 6 p.m., Zeta is about 10 miles south/southwest of New Orleans, Louisiana and is moving north/northeast at approximately 25 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds are approximately 105 miles per hour.
• Zeta is forecasted to be a strong tropical storm as it moves into our area and is expected to move quickly across our region tonight.
• Threat of storm surge 2-4 ft. with a high risk of rip currents and 10-15 ft. surf in our area.
• Potential impacts include damaging winds, dangerous surf, rainfall of 2-3 inches and tornadoes
• Potential for downed trees and powerlines
• Scattered power outages are likely
• Summary of Watches/Warnings/Advisories In Effect: 
  • Tropical Storm Warning – Entire area
  • Storm Surge Warning – Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, and Santa Rosa Counties
  • Coastal Flood Advisory – Okaloosa County
  • High Rip Current and High Surf Warning – Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties
  • Flash Flood Watch – Along and west of I-65 

• As a reminder, residents are encouraged to prepare their disaster kits now, which should include seven days of food and water supplies for after the storm arrives. Residents are also encouraged to fuel all vehicles and generators, and prepare all medications needed by family and pets. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time. Remember, this year's disaster kit might need to look a little different if you must go to a shelter—make sure to include face coverings, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
• High winds from Hurricane Zeta may cause power outages in parts of Escambia County. If you use a generator, be sure to follow proper operation rules to keep you and your family safe. Learn more about general safety and usage guidelines for generators at bit.ly/3ozTLTX.
• Tornado Tips: Take Cover. Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
• With possible flooding forecast for our area, please do not drive into hazardous flood water and remember to Turn Around Don't Drown®. Follow these flood safety tips:
  • Get to higher ground – Get out of areas subject to flooding. 
  • Do not drive into water – Do not drive or walk into flooded areas. It only takes 6" of water to knock you off your feet and 2 feet of water to carry away a vehicle. 
  • Stay informed – Monitor local radar, television, weather radio, internet or social media for updates. 

• Baars Field Athletic Park - 13001 Sorrento Road, Pensacola 
• Brent Athletic Park - 4711 N. W St., Pensacola 
• Don Sutton Park - 2320 Crabtree Church Road, Molino 
• Equestrian Center - 7750 Mobile Highway, Pensacola 
• Escambia County Road Department - 601 Highway 297-A, Pensacola  
• Ferry Pass Middle School - 8355 Yancey Lane, Pensacola, sand will be on the northwest corner of school property on Parazine Street 
• John R. Jones Jr. Athletic Park - 555 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola 
• Travis M. Nelson Park -  4541 County Road 4, Pensacola 

• Review/make your family plan. Need help? Read more on how to care for your family here.  
• Know your zone. Look up your address online here. You can search by address or parcel number and then look for the “Emergency Management Report.” The address function is self-populating, so type slowly and then choose the address from the drop down list. 
• Restock your disaster kit supplies/get a kit. Your disaster kit should have at least three days of nonperishable food and three gallons of water for each person and pet in your home, along with other supplies. Click here to see our latest disaster kit shopping list. 
• Prep your yard.  As we are entering the height of hurricane season, it is also recommended that residents take a few minutes to inspect their home and yard. Check for, fix or remove loose items on your home and sheds. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and down spouts. Trim trees and shrubs around your home.  
• Stay informed. Things can change quickly. Be sure you take time every day to monitor the local media. Escambia County also has several tools available for our residents. Learn more here. Monitor local media and legitimate online and social media sources like Escambia County Emergency Management, US National Weather Service Mobile, and NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center. 

• Check for Escambia County road closures 24/7 at www.myescambia.com/roadissuesmap. 
• Escambia County works law enforcement to close bridges for safety at sustained (not gusts) wind speeds of 39 miles per hour or greater.
• For real-time road closures in the City of Pensacola, click here.

For more information or general questions, email pio@cityofpensacola.com. To stay informed about what's happening with City of Pensacola government, sign up for email or text notifications through Notify Me or follow @CityofPensacola on social media.