Tropical Storm Fred – Update #7 – 8/16/2021
University of Florida officials are actively monitoring Tropical Storm Fred. Here’s what we know today:
Tropical Storm Fred has the potential to bring storm surge and heavy rains to the Panhandle and Big Bend today. Fred’s maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph. Tropical storm conditions are occurring in the warning areas and will spread father inland later today and tonight across portions of the Florida Panhandle.
Dangerous storm surge inundation is possible along portions of the coast of the Florida Panhandle and the Florida Big Bend region. A storm surge warning is in effect from Indian Pass to Yankeetown.
Tropical storm warnings are in effect for Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties, and the coast from Navarre to the Steinhatchee River. Fred is expected to bring heavy rainfall with 4-8 inches of rain and isolated amounts up to 12 inches possible. A flash flood watch is in place for most of the region, and a tornado watch is in effect for central and eastern Panhandle until this evening. UF units in the warning areas should closely monitor forecasts, finish preparations and be ready to follow guidance from local officials.
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 to monitor and update the UF community on expected impacts or schedule changes as information becomes available.
For additional information, please visit National Hurricane Center