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Hurricane Francine intensifies, Okaloosa County schools to remain open

Hurricane Francine intensifies to Category 1, approaching Louisiana. Okaloosa County expects heavy rain and possible tornadoes, but reduced wind threat. Schools remain open as officials monitor the situation.

Hurricane Francine has strengthened to a Category 1 storm with 90 mph winds as it approaches the central Louisiana coast, prompting local officials to closely monitor its potential impacts on Okaloosa County.

  • Okaloosa Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox reported that Francine is moving northeast at 10 mph and is forecast to reach Category 2 status before making landfall this afternoon or evening. While the storm’s track remains unchanged, the probability of tropical storm-force winds in Okaloosa County has decreased.

Despite the reduced wind threat, Maddox warned that heavy rainfall and the possibility of brief, localized tornadoes remain concerns for the area. Dangerous marine and surf conditions are expected to begin today and last through late Thursday or early Friday morning.

The Okaloosa County School District announced that schools are expected to remain open at this time. In a statement on Tuesday, the district said it is working in coordination with Maddox to monitor the situation.

“While Okaloosa County is unlikely to experience sustained tropical storm-force winds, we may see gusts up to 30 mph, along with 2-4 inches of rain, with localized areas receiving up to 6 inches between Wednesday and Thursday,” the school district stated. They also noted a slight risk of severe weather and potential tornadoes, particularly in the southern part of the county.

County officials urge residents to stay informed about the storm’s progress and any potential changes to local conditions. The school district promised to continue working closely with the county’s emergency operations center and provide updates as needed.

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“I had no water from 10::00 pm Tuesday night until I checked today at 3:00 pm. I am extremely frustrated with the lack of professionalism in the way that citizens...”
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“Why wasn’t/hasn’t the alert system that was used when the road was coated in Mary Esther Manor employed? Additionally, I called the water department between 10 and 11 pm last...”
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“I love the alert on the ME water website, "boil water" when there is none, nothing about no water. typical govt stonewalling and lack of info.”
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“zero water at 5 am at Stone henge Dr Mary Esther”
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“No water 119 Bryn Mawr or at the Cedars at 6:24”
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“zero water at 0545 in Mary Esther manor”
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“zero water in Mary Esther manor subdivision at 0545”
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“What a joke. The city council doesn’t care about harbor access for locals. It’s all about control. So very sad.”
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“Reducing public access to another area once again.”
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