Walton County issues mandatory evacuation for zones A, B and C

Emergency evacuations ordered

Walton County officials have declared a local state of emergency and issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents in multiple coastal zones as a dangerous storm surge threatens the region.

The directive, which targets Evacuation Zones A, B, and C, is scheduled to go into effect at noon on Thursday. The decision was finalised following an emergency morning meeting where local leaders and disaster coordinators assessed the immediate risks to the community.

Rising waters pose the greatest danger

The push for a mandatory evacuation came directly from Walton County Emergency Management. During a briefing at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, emergency officials presented data showing that the county faces an estimated seven feet of storm surge.

Officials emphasised that the decision to force evacuations is driven primarily by the threat of rising water rather than wind speeds. While high winds present their own hazards, a seven-foot surge can rapidly inundate low-lying streets, cut off escape routes, and trap residents in their homes. By making the evacuation mandatory, officials are warning that emergency services may not be able to reach those who choose to stay behind once the flooding begins.

Commissioners declare local state of emergency

The evacuation order was paired with a formal declaration of a local state of emergency by the Walton County Commissioners. This administrative move allows the county to mobilise emergency resources more quickly, coordinate with state agencies, and streamline the opening of public shelters.

The rapid succession of the 10:00 a.m. meeting and the noon evacuation deadline highlights the urgency of the situation. Local leaders urged residents not to wait until the last minute to pack their belongings and secure their properties.

Preparing to leave

Residents living in Zones A, B, and C are instructed to identify their evacuation routes and prepare to leave the area immediately. Emergency managers recommend securing loose outdoor items, packing essential documents and medications, and planning travel routes that avoid low-lying roads prone to early flooding.

To keep up with the latest evacuation routes, emergency shelter openings, and storm developments, residents are being directed to sign up for the Alert Walton notification system. Authorities have stressed that staying informed through official channels is critical as conditions along the coast continue to deteriorate.