Public schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties remain closed today. The Blackwater River in Santa Rosa is expected to crest today at 26 feet 15 feet above flood stage and the Escambia River could crest at 23 feet 6 feet above flood stage. The Perdido River is expected to set a record, but emergency officials can't check flood gauges because high waters have cut off their access to it. The two counties are seeking federal disaster aid. Another 2 inches of rain could fall today, according to AccuWeather, a private forecasting company.
Every raindrop is a little more bad news.
So the rivers and creeks can't drain like they normally would,'' said Jeff Mullendore, division chief of Escambia County Emergency Management. That will allow the rivers and creeks to recede.'' Pensacola Fire Chief Jim Dixon said no flooding was reported within city limits Tuesday. Some houses along Bayou Texar were surrounded by water pushed into the bayou from Georges' southern winds, but Dixon said there was no immediate plan to evacuate anyone living along either Bayou Texar or Bayou Chico. Dixon said plans might change, depending on how much water flows into the county from swollen Alabama rivers. Damage estimates were limited because many business owners had not yet returned to their businesses Tuesday in downtown Pensacola, Dixon said.