Florida Panhandle Bracing for Tropical Storm Fred

The Florida panhandle is bracing for Tropical Storm Fred as it makes its way to the coast. ‘Fred’ maintains maximum wind speeds of 60 mph while moving toward the state at 10 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center, it is expected to make landfall in the western panhandle this afternoon or evening. A Tropical Storm warning is in effect for the coast of the panhandle and schools in Bay, Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties canceled classes and after school activities today.

The storm is expected to bring dangerous storm surge, river flooding and possible tornadoes when it reaches the coast and will weaken after landfall according to the National Hurricane Center. Isolated rainfall totals of up to 12 inches are also expected for the area through tomorrow and heavy rain can be expected through parts of Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas. Fred is one of three Atlantic storms currently being monitored with aforementioned Tropical Depression Grace headed toward Haiti and Tropical Depression eight forming near Bermuda last night.