You might be waking up to cloudy skies and a drizzle—but don’t be fooled. A dangerous weather situation is unfolding fast across Florida’s Panhandle. Walton and Holmes counties are under a Flash Flood Warning until 9:15 AM CDT, and forecasters warn that fast-moving storms are dumping torrential rain across already soaked terrain. If you’re in the area, this is not the time to risk your commute or run out for errands—conditions could turn life-threatening in minutes.
The National Weather Service sounded the alarm early this morning as radar detected powerful thunderstorms pounding both counties. Rainfall is falling in sheets, and flash flooding is already underway in several locations. Officials are urging residents to move to higher ground immediately and avoid any flooded roadways or low-lying areas. Remember: it only takes six inches of water to knock you off your feet, and just one foot of moving water can carry away most vehicles.
What makes this warning especially urgent is the speed and intensity of the rainfall. When water falls faster than the ground can absorb it, flash flooding can occur in the blink of an eye. With many back roads and rural areas in Holmes and Walton counties prone to quick rises in water levels, forecasters are warning of ponding on roadways, overflowing ditches, and swamped neighborhoods—especially in areas with poor drainage or near creeks and streams.
Authorities across both counties have already activated emergency response plans and are closely monitoring flood-prone zones. Residents are strongly advised to:
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Avoid driving, especially before 9:15 AM, when conditions may peak.
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Stay tuned to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency alerts.
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Keep phones charged and have flashlights ready in case of outages.
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Move valuable belongings to higher levels in your home if you’ve experienced flooding before.
The good news? This warning is short-term. But short doesn’t mean safe—especially with conditions this volatile. The storm system should push eastward later in the morning, but until it does, any area under this warning could become hazardous with little notice.
Bottom Line: Don’t underestimate this early morning flood threat. While you may not hear thunder or see lightning, the danger is on the ground—fast, rising water that could trap cars, damage homes, or worse. Take this seriously, and stay put until officials give the all-clear.
