Rain that began Friday morning flooded and closed roads in Okaloosa and Walton counties Saturday, with more wet weather expected to return late tonight.
South Okaloosa had gotten 3 to 4 inches of rain since Friday, while some northern areas measured 5 to 6 inches, Don Shepherd, senior forecaster with the National Weather Service in Mobile, Ala., said late Saturday afternoon
An 8-foot-wide sinkhole closed Okaloosa Lane between Earl Kennedy Road and Serenity Lane in Crestview, said Randy McDaniel, the county’s emergency management director.
In Walton County, 2 to 4 inches of rain fell along the coast while 7 to 8 inches drenched the some areas in the north end, Shepherd said.
Natural Bridge, Penn Williams Road from Punchbowl Road to BA Kelley Road, Woods Road and Padgett Road from Scott Road to County Road 183B were closed Saturday afternoon, according to Walton County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Wendy Ammons.
The National Weather Service also issued a flood warning for the Shoal River in Walton County. At 2:30 p.m. Saturday, the river already was at 16 feet, 2 feet above flood stage.
This morning should be cloudy but dry, Shepherd said. However, strong thunderstorms will resume tonight.
They could become severe, with high winds, hail, and possibly tornadoes, according to a news release from AccuWeather.com.
Those who live in flood-prone areas should keep an eye on the forecasts, Shepherd said.
Sunday night’s storms could have rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches an hour, according AccuWeather. Anyone traveling on Interstate 10 should prepare for slow travel and standing water.
The severe weather will move east throughout Monday.