Torrential Rains Cause Widespread Flooding
in Florida Panhandle
Torrential rainfall led to widespread flooding along the northern Gulf Coast on Saturday, and Pensacola came about 2 inches (50 mm) short of matching its all-time rainfall record for a calendar day: 15.29 inches (388.36 mm).
On Saturday, Pensacola airport received 13.13 inches (333.50 mm) of rain. The previous record was set on October 5, 1934, as Tropical Storm 9 of that year was making landfall. The record for any 24 hour period is 17.1 inches (434.34 mm), spanning October 4-5 in 1934.
In response to the widespread flooding a state of emergency was declared for Florida's Escambia County.
Emergency shelters were opened at a few local schools for people who were urged to evacuate from low-lying areas. Thousands were without power. Neighboring Santa Rosa County also reported significant flooding.
Streets were flooded throughout Mobile, Ala., which received 5.79 inches (147 mm) of rain. County authorities warned residents to stay off the roads until the waters receded and workers could look for damage and downed utilities.
