Forecasters say Ida has weakened to a tropical depression and is heading east toward the Florida Panhandle with winds near 35 mph (55 kph). Ida was a tropical storm with winds near 45 mph (75 kph) when it came ashore near Mobile Bay in southern Alabama on Tuesday morning.

The tropical depression is moving northeast about 9 mph (15 kph) and is expected to continue in that direction until being absorbed by a front on Wednesday. Forecasters say most of the heavy rain is over and tropical storm warnings have been discontinued.

The storm had shut down nearly a third of oil and natural gas production in Gulf as oil companies evacuated workers ahead of Ida. But demand for energy is so low due to the economic downturn, energy prices have barely budged.

At 6:40 a.m. EST Tuesday, Tropical Storm Ida made landfall on Dauphin Island, Alabama. As of 7 a.m. Ida was located 25 miles south of Mobile, Alabama. Maximum winds were near 45 mph. Ida is moving toward the northeast at 9 mph.

Tropical Storm force wind gusts extend out 175 miles from the center of Ida.

Lake Wind and Wind Advisories are in effect for much of the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend regions today for expected sustained winds of 25-30 mph and gusts to 40 mph. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the western Panhandle counties.

Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should stay out of the water as deadly rip currents and rough surf conditions will persist today.

Current Situation / Stat Action

The State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee remains activated to a Level 1, or full activation status to monitor Tropical Storm Ida and assist impacted counties.

The Florida Emergency Information Line (FEIL) remains activated. The number is 800-342-3557. The Attorney General has activated the Price Gouging Hotline: 866-9-NO-SCAM.

Governor Charlie Crist issued Executive Order 09-243 declaring a State of Emergency on Monday.

State Emergency Response Team Regional Coordinators and Liaisons are located in counties throughout the Panhandle and will continue coordinating with local officials.

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for all areas of Northwest Florida.

There is a high risk of rip currents today along Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic Coast.

The main threats from Ida are high winds, local flooding, heavy rain and isolated tornadoes. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated maximum amounts up to 6 inches are possible.

Recommended Public Actions

Florida Gulf Coast residents and visitors should visit the Florida Highway Safety Road Closure Web site www.flhsmv.gov/offices/HSMV.htm to check on local road closures before leaving their homes or call the Florida Emergency Information Line at 800-342-3557.

If you approach a flooded roadway while driving, remember “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” It only takes a few feet of water to knock most cars off the road.

Avoid and report any downed power lines and do not allow children to play in flood waters.

By taking a few common sense measures over the next few days, we can safely survive the effects of Tropical Storm Ida. To Get A Plan! go to www.FloridaDisaster.org today.

1.Assessment teams are currently doing inspections throughout the County.

2.Crews are working to remove a tree across Highway 22.

3.A home in Honeyville had a tree fall on it during the night.

4.Power outages: NONE
White City- restored

5.The Stumphole area on Cape San Blas is open; there is water on the
road and some small debris so please use caution while driving.

6.Indian Pass Road is closed to due water over the road but there is a detour open.

7.Many roads throughout the County have standing water, please use caution while driving.

8.We stress that swimmers and boaters stay out of the water. There are dangerous rip currents as a result of Ida.

9.All County offices are open today.