FL Panhandle Conditions for Arlene (Post HERE)

[Dean4Storms]

Please keep this thread at the top mods for posts of obs. I have a Davis Vantage Pro and will post my obs through Arlene. I have a generator so posting through power outages should not be a problem.

Destin, FL

[iceangel]

The Pensacola News Journal's homepage has alot of info
http://pensacolanewsjournal.com/

[LSU2001]

PUBLISHED FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2005
Impact from Ivan has state on alert for Arlene

News Journal capital bureau

TALLAHASSEE -- Ivan's reach is extending into the 2005 hurricane season, its destruction leading state emergency planners to worry more than they would otherwise about Tropical Storm Arlene.

State emergency management officials went into partial activation Friday morning as Tropical Storm Arlene strengthened slightly and forecasts for its intensity came within the margin of error to reach hurricane status.

The National Hurricane Center issued hurricane watches for the Gulf Coast from Panama City to Louisiana.

State meteorologist Ben Nelson said tropical-storm force winds could begin to reach the Panhandle Friday afternoon. The forecast calls for gradual strengthening, with winds as high as 70 mph Saturday morning. That's within the plus or minus 10 mph error for forecasts 24 hours out.

Nelson said a 3 foot to 5 foot storm surge is possible in the western Panhandle.

"The coastal flood threat is a little more heightened because of what Ivan did to our beaches last September," Nelson said. As the severe weather comes ashore, Nelson said, tornadoes are also a possibility.

Division of Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate said dune damage from Ivan raises Arlene's stakes.

"A Category 1 surge will start reaching impacts you would only see in Category 2 storms," Fugate said.

That means, Fugate said, Escambia County and other Panhandle officials are considering evacuation orders they wouldn't otherwise. None have been ordered yet, but could come as a result of the National Hurricane Center's 4 p.m. forecast update. Gov. Jeb Bush said the Panhandle is in a precarious position.

"These are vulnerable areas of the Panhandle because people are still recovering," Bush said. "We poured a lot of money in ... we've done what we could to be a good partner in this. With all the (2004) storms, it's going to take awhile to recover."

The state, Fugate said, is ready to send in sandbags and pumps to mitigate against flooding. In addition, his agency has sent the paperwork for a federal disaster declaration to the governor's office in preparation for the storm.

Source:http://pensacolanewsjournal.com/news/st/arlene/061005_state.shtml

[iceangel]

Arlene's approach being felt
http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/new ... ndex.shtml

[CFL]

We had some squally weather a couple of hours ago but it's mostly clear right now.

[Dean4Storms]

We had some squally weather a couple of hours ago but it's mostly clear right now.

The calm before the storm, the tendency today with Arlene shows that she is becoming more concentrated near the center, this is a good indicator that she is becoming better organized.

[TSmith274]

I just drove accross the Causeway over Lake Ponchartrain in New Orleans. The winds had to be 40mph sustained. Of course, I was in a squall at the time. But, if this is any indication of what's in store for Alabama/FL panhandle, this is nothing to sneeze at.

[Fla Panhandle]

I live in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. We have had a little wind and rain but that's it so far.

[yzerfan]

We went down to Grayton Beach east of Destin for lunch. Moderate and consistent wind from the east/southeast. I'm guessing 4-6' surf hitting land at a 45 degree angle. Only single red flags at the beach so far; the surfers did look happy.

[Dean4Storms]

Have noticed an increase in the winds the past hour gusting up to 20mph, is probably up to 25mph along the water.

[MGC]

Dean, how far inland are you?.....MGC

[Dean4Storms]

Dean, how far inland are you?.....MGC

MGC..... I'm about 1 mile inland from the beach as a bird flies and 300yds from Choctawhatchee Bay in what is known as Miramar Bch.. If you look at a map just east of Destin about 8 miles, I'm just west of the little thumb that sticks northward into the Bay which is Sandestin Resort. The topography gets very narrow where I live.

[alicia-w]

The Midbay bridge is not charging a toll. I was driving along old 98 to avoid the escaping tourists on Hwy 98 and the waves are starting to roll in pretty good.

Here's the Okaloosa County Emergency page. It has advisories on the lower right which list closures, etc.

http://www.co.okaloosa.fl.us/eoc.asp

The shelter at Davidson Middle School in Crestview has been opened.

Looks like the gas-gouging has started too. Prices north of the bay are 2.14 or 2.12. on hwy 98, gas is 2.26. and i dont recall it being that high the day before yesterday!

[IrishRose]

Winds are picking up some, but still no rain. I'm in the middle of Destin, close to the harbor.

[Pebbles]

Thanks for the observations guys and gals... stay safe and report as you can! *huggers*

Christine
I smile because i have no idea what's going on!
2005 guess: 15/10/6
<----- Feel free to Rub the cute LUCKY Pebbles belly!

[rolltide]

Right now (6:55 CDT) the sun is is out with a nice breeze. Enjoying it while it lasts. Used the opportunity to mow my lawn so it will be easier to cleanup Sunday.

Keith

[CFL]

It's a little breezy, but it's sunny and humid. I'm beginning to wonder if I'll wind up on the west side of this.

[BreinLa]

glad all is well so far take care

[Dean4Storms]

Just got back from the bay, the winds are running 20-25mph out of the ene on the water out on our dock as I took along my handheld anemometer. Bay is choppy to rough already.

[iceangel]

It's 8:50PM where I live (Pensacola)...about 10 miles inland (give or take a few miles).

Anyway, earlier in the day it was hot and muggy. There was more wind from the south too. Right now, from what I can see, it appears to be breezy..not raining yet!