Okaloosa County EOC set for Level 2 activation

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — Okaloosa County is activating the Emergency Operations Center at midnight on January 9, 2024, to a modified Level 2 (partial activation) in preparation for the potential severe weather that has been forecast to impact the county.

Emergency Management staff will be monitoring the storm system, which is expected to bring sustained winds of 25–30 mph with possible gusts above 70 mph.

Additionally, county administrative offices will be opening at 10 a.m. on a delayed start on Tuesday, January 9, to ensure the safety of employees during potentially hazardous conditions in the morning. To ensure operational continuity, departments deploying essential personnel will adhere to the department director’s schedule.

The main line of storms is expected to arrive between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Tuesday and clear by 9 a.m. Heavy rainfall of two to three inches is forecast, with the possibility of tornadoes. Residents are encouraged to take this system seriously and make preparations that include securing loose debris around the home, having multiple ways to stay informed, and being prepared for the possibility of power outages.

The latest local severe weather information from the county can be found on social media at https://www.facebook.com/OkaloosaCounty/ or on the county’s EOC website at https://myokaloosa.com/eoc/home.

Severe weather resources include:

National Weather Service in Mobile: https://www.weather.gov/mob/

Sign up for severe weather alerts: https://alertokaloosa.com/ 

Disaster supply checklist: https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hurricane-supply-checklist/