Hurricane Sally Update from Escambia

Hurricane Sally Update from Escambia County Sept. 16, 2020 at noon

  • On Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, Hurricane Sally made landfall near Gulf Shores, AL at 4:45 a.m. as a Category 2 with sustained winds of 105 mph and gusts 120+ mph.
  • Escambia County sustained substantial damage due to wind and flooding.
  • Officials are working to assess flooding and wind damage from Hurricane Sally. Everyone is encouraged to continue to shelter in place for as long as it remains safe to do so. Roadways are likely not safe for travel. There has been road damage in the county. (If media has access to WebEOC – you should have access to see road conditions)
  • Escambia County is working closely with State and Federal partners to assist in response and have requested multiple assets and personnel.
  • Pensacola Energy asks the public to call 850-474-5307 if you smell gas.
  • The Citizen Information Line is available 24 hours a day for residents to call with questions or concerns at: (850) 471-6600
  • Everyone is encouraged to follow BeReadyEscambia Facebook and Twitter sites for the latest Hurricane Sally information.
  • While reaching out to friends and family, we encourage you to text rather than call to keep cell towers open for 911 callers.
  • Escambia County Fire and Rescue, National Guard and the Sherriff’s Office are actively working on water rescues and life saving measures in the Bristol Park and Woods.

Known Damage and Closure

  • A section of 3-Mile bridge has been damaged and is being accessed by FDOT, Emergency Management and county officials.
  • I10 traffic is being diverted eastbound at the 17 mile marker and westbound at the 31 mile marker until the barge and crane are secure.
  • Most of downtown Pensacola is flooded and not accessible.
  • Summit Blvd. is not accessible due to flooding
  • Airport remains closed until further notice.

City of Pensacola

  • Initial reports include significant flooding, downed trees and power lines, power outages and multiple traffic signal outages. The city has started initial damage assessments from Hurricane Sally, and crews will continue until the assessments are completed. 
  • Multiple roadways in the city are closed or impassable due to flooding, downed power lines and other debris. For a real-time road closures map, visit pensacolapolice.com.
  • The city is aware of multiple flooded facilities and roadways, and we appreciate the public's patience as damages are assessed. 
  • If you see a downed tree, power line or other non-emergency issue in the City of Pensacola, please call 311 or report it online at cityofpensacola.com/311.
  • At this time, Pensacola Fire Department and Pensacola Police Department are only responding to critical, life threatening emergencies due to high wind gusts and unsafe conditions. 
  • PFD and PPD have responded to multiple calls to rescue people from cars. Onlookers are putting themselves and first responders at risk and taking resources away from those who are experiencing critical, life threatening emergencies. 
  • PFD has been coordinating with a National Guard high water response vehicle to rescue multiple occupants trapped due to high waters. 
  • PFD responded to a residential structure fire on 9th Avenue at approximately 6 a.m today, Wednesday, Sept. 16. Despite dangerous conditions with high winds, PFD crews were able to extinguish the fire and rescue the occupants. PPD transported the occupants to the Pensacola Bay Center shelter. 
  • Pensacola Energy crews are responding to calls for service south of I-10 and will respond to calls north of I-10 when conditions are safe. If you smell natural gas or see a damaged gas line, please call Pensacola Energy at 474-5307.
  • Pensacola International Airport is closed until further notice.
  • City of Pensacola offices and community centers will remain closed tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 17. Essential personnel will be working.
  • City Sanitation Services are suspended for the remainder of the week. Sanitation Services will resume Monday, Sept. 21 on a regular pickup schedule.

Safety Tips and Precautions

  • It is important that generators be operated properly. Do not operate gas generators indoors because of carbon monoxide. Please follow this link for more information and to learn the dangers of carbon monoxide. http://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2020/09/091520-carbon-monoxide-dangers.pr.html
  • Do not drive or walk through standing water. Power lines could be down and cause electrocution.
  • Do not attempt to move downed power lines. Please contact Gulf Power at 1-800-GU-POWER (1-800-487-6937)
  • Unless you are in a life threatening situation, please shelter in place and do not venture out.

Helpful Links and Contacts

Outages:

  • Gulf Power: 1-800-GU-POWER (1-800-487-6937)
  • Escambia River Electric Cooperative:1-877-OUT-EREC (1-877-688-3732)
  • ECUA General Customer Service:(850) 476-0480

Law Enforcement:All emergencies: 911

Utilities

How You Can Help

  • United Way of West Florida (UWWF) will open a relief fund for those affected by Hurricane Sally.
  • UWWF will accept financial contributions to the fund to provide support to these households.
  • UWWF will accept financial contributions to help victims of Hurricane Sally.
  • BRACE strongly encourages Cash, Confirm, and Connect through cash donations the affected can receive the aid they need.
  • At this time, there are no needed items for those impacted by Hurricane Sally. ESF 15 encourages cash donations to UWWF
  • Potential volunteers should confirm that they are needed before traveling to impacted areas. If you are interested in volunteering, register on Get Connected: https://bit.ly/3hyZ7dv

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