Bay County emergency officials are preparing for potentially significant local effects from Tropical Storm Isaias, which continues to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico.

During a Wednesday afternoon hurricane briefing, officials said the greatest concerns for Bay County are storm surge and flooding. Current forecasts indicate the potential for 5 to 7 feet of storm surge, beginning Friday morning and continuing into Saturday morning.

Bay County is expected to remain on the eastern side of the storm, where impacts could include prolonged rainfall, tropical-storm-force winds and the possibility of tornadoes.

Important updates from the briefing

  • Bay County has declared a local state of emergency.

  • The Emergency Operations Center will move to Level 2 Thursday morning.

  • Bay County government offices will be closed Friday, with essential employees remaining on duty.

  • No evacuation orders have been issued at this time.

  • No emergency shelters are currently open.

  • Officials are preparing potential distribution sites, but locations have not been finalized.

  • The county has lowered the reservoir and cleared drainage areas in preparation for heavy rainfall.

  • Law-enforcement agencies will increase staffing Friday morning.

  • Tropical-storm-force winds could arrive as early as Friday morning.

  • Bridges are not currently scheduled to close, but residents are advised to avoid crossing bridges once winds reach approximately 45 mph.

  • Residents should prepare for possible power outages, flooding and rapidly changing conditions.

Officials reminded residents that conditions and forecasts can change quickly. Residents should know their evacuation zones and routes, complete household preparations, fill prescriptions, fuel vehicles and have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts.

Never drive through flooded roads. Current road conditions are available at https://www.fl511.com/.

Residents may register for local emergency notifications at https://www.alertbay.org/ and find evacuation-zone information at https://www.baycountyfl.gov/511/Evacuation-Zones.

Watch the complete briefing

The video is a recap of Bay County’s hurricane press conference, including the latest forecast outlook, primary local hazards, county preparations, evacuation and shelter information, bridge guidance and recommendations for residents.

Watch the Bay County Emergency Services video:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1815354399489191/

Residents should continue following Bay County Emergency Services, the National Weather Service and local media for confirmed updates. Forecast storm strength, timing and impacts remain subject to change.