Slow-Moving Hurricane Sally Sends Strong Storm Surge to Florida Panhandle

Hurricane Sally moved slowly toward the northern Gulf Coast on Tuesday, September 15, reports said, threatening to bring historic rainfall to the Florida panhandle.

Okaloosa and Walton counties in northwest Florida braced for impact on Tuesday as the National Weather Service (NWS) warned of dangerously large waves and a life-threatening storm surge for coastal areas.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office shared videos from Destin and from Fort Walton Beach as the outer bands of the hurricane buffeted the panhandle.

Okaloosa County Chairman Trey Goodwin declared a state of emergency for the county on Monday.

According to local reports, waves of eight to 12 feet were possible, along with a storm surge as high as three feet. Credit: Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office via Storyful