Tropical Storm Fred and Tropical Storm Grace – Update #6 – 8/15/2021
University of Florida officials are actively monitoring Tropical Storm Fred and Tropical Storm Grace. Here’s what we know today:
Fred regained tropical storm status with maximum winds of approximately 40 mph. The center of the storm is forecast to make landfall in the western Panhandle on Monday afternoon or Monday night.
Today through Tuesday, heavy rainfall could lead to areal, urban, small stream and river flooding impacts across southern Florida, the Big Bend region and the Panhandle. Dangerous storm surge inundation is possible along portions of the coast of Florida’s Panhandle, and a storm surge warning has been issued for this area.
Tropical storm warnings are in effect for Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Liberty, Franklin counties, and the coastal Wakulla Counties. Storm watches are in effect for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Storm surge warnings have been issued from Indian Pass to the Steinhatchee River; 4-8 inches of rain is possible in the Panhandle and Big Bend through Tuesday evening. A flash flood watch is in effect for the region.
UF units in the Florida’s Panhandle should closely monitor forecasts and be prepared to follow guidance from local officials.
Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center’s track brings the center of Tropical Storm Grace across the northern coast of Cuba and Florida Straights by Wednesday or Thursday. Currently, any chance of tropical storm winds for Florida is confined to the Florida Keys and the extreme southern and southwest portions of the Peninsula. However, the National Hurricane Center indicates significant uncertainty with the forecast due to potential land interaction with the Greater Antilles.
No tropical storm warnings or watches are currently in place for Alachua County, and no operational changes are anticipated for the UF campus in Gainesville. We will continue monitoring both systems and update the UF community on expected impacts or schedule changes as information becomes available.
For additional information, please visit National Hurricane Center
