Tropical Depression Nate Update: Trump Approves Emergency Declaration For 2 Florida Counties

PENSACOLA, FL - President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for two Florida counties on Sunday, allowing federal assistance in recovery efforts from Hurricane Nate. The emergency declaration affects Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, according to the governor's office. The approval allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts in the counties.

Gov. Rick Scott had requested that Trump declare a pre-landfall emergency for the state to prepare and respond to the storm. Scott's request had covered 16 Florida counties, including Escambia and Santa Rosa. The other counties in Scott's pre-landfall declaration request were: Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, and Jefferson.

Tropical Storm Nate has weakened to a tropical depression after making landfall twice. Hurricane Nate made a second landfall near Biloxi, Miss. about 12:30 a.m. with maximum winds of 85 mph, the National Hurricane Center reported. Escambia and Santa Rosa coastal areas are no longer under a storm surge warning or a tropical storm warning.

The storm made its first landfall near the mouth of the Mississippi River in southeast Louisiana. Nate's center will continue to move inland across the Deep South, Tennessee Valley, and central Appalachian Mountains through Monday, the hurricane center said. The maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 35 mph with higher gusts.

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The evacuation shelters in Escambia County have closed and residents have returned to their homes.

Escambia County and City of Pensacola crews have finished their initial assessments, with no significant damage. County officials were reporting some downed power lines, fallen tree limbs and other minor damage. Escambia County residents who need help with home damage resulting from Hurricane Nate may call Northwest Florida 2-1-1 for referral to organizations that may be able to assist.

Pensacola Beach experienced minor beach erosion with an estimated 250,000-450,000 cubic yard loss of sand. Perdido Key had no damage, but experienced some minimal sand shifting.

Escambia fire crews responded to 13 storm-related calls overnight, including downed power lines, alarm systems and one downed tree on a home located in the 2300 block of Bobwhite Lane. No injuries were reported, according to a county press release.

As of 3 p.m. Sunday, power had returned for all but about 250 homes in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, Gulf Power reported.

Red flags are flying on Pensacola Beach, representing high surf and/or dangerous currents. The Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier is open. The Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge opened 3 p.m., Sunday.

Pensacola International Airport will remain closed Sunday and normal operations are expected to resume on Monday.

The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority reports that a power failure has resulted in the release of an unknown amount of partially-treated effluent into the Santa Rosa Sound. The Florida Department of Health-Escambia advises against any water-related activities due to the potential for high bacteria levels.

FDOH-Escambia has also issued a health advisory and advises against engaging in any water-related activities at the following locations due to the potential for high bacteria levels. - Bayou Texar at Bayview Park; Bayou Chico at Lakewood Park; Bayou Grande at Navy Point Park; Big Lagoon State Park; Quiet Water Beach; and Sanders Beach. For more information, contact the FDOH-Escambia Environmental Health office at 850-595-6700 or visit www.EscambiaHealth.com.

County officials report these conditions on roadways:

• J. Earle Bowden Way/399 between Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach is closed due to flooding.
• The toll on the Bob Sikes Bridge Toll Plaza will be reinstated at 5 p.m. Sunday.
• All bridges are open.
• Stefani Road at 9 Mile Road is closed due to a construction-related washout.
• Rio Vista Drive is closed due to flooding.
• Check for Escambia County road closures 24/7 at www.myescambia.com/roadissuesmap.
• City of Pensacola road closures can be viewed here.

Photo via Associated Press/Brendan Farrington)