As we track the progress of Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 (PTC 9) AKA Tropical Storm Helene, Walton County Emergency Management is closely monitoring the storm. Here’s what you need to know to stay informed and prepared.

Update: September 26, 6:30 p.m. Walton County: 

As the winds and rain from Hurricane Helene begin to subside in Walton County, we are fortunate to have escaped the worst of the storm. However, our thoughts are with our neighbors to the east, who have borne the brunt of Helene’s impact. With the hurricane making landfall in Florida’s Big Bend at 125 mph, significant damage and life-threatening storm surges were reported in the region. Walton County remains under a tropical storm warning, and schools will stay closed through Friday, Sept. 27. The Clyde B. Wells Bridge is still open, and no evacuations have been ordered, but residents are encouraged to stay off the roads. A shelter in DeFuniak Springs is open for those in need. To support recovery efforts, visit the Florida Disaster Fund.

Update: September 24, 11 a.m. Walton County: 

The National Hurricane Center officially classified Helene as a tropical storm at 11 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, following the development of a well-defined center of circulation as the system continues to strengthen. Currently a 45 mph tropical storm, Helene is expected to rapidly intensify over the extremely warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and could reach Category 3 strength before making landfall.

Tune in as Jeff Goldberg, Director, Walton County Emergency Managaement provides the latest updates on Tropical Storm Helene for Walton County:

With Florida in its projected path, the National Hurricane Center is urging residents to take immediate action. The accelerated timeline means that damaging winds, torrential rain, and dangerous storm surges could hit the state sooner than anticipated. Forecast models suggest that Helene could be the strongest storm to make landfall in the U.S. in over a year, with impacts likely to extend beyond Florida into the broader Southeast region. Floridians in coastal areas, particularly in regions like Taylor County, should expect evacuation orders to be issued as early as today, with the potential for life-threatening storm surge posing a serious risk. Officials are warning that shifts in the storm’s track are still possible, and residents should continue to monitor updates closely. Stay tuned for the latest on Tropical Storm Helene’s path, projected impacts, and evacuation updates as the situation unfolds.

For real-time updates, it’s highly recommended to sign up for AlertWalton, which will send important notifications directly to your phone.

You can also track the storm’s path and updates from the National Hurricane Center here: National Hurricane Center Tracker:

Now is the time to prepare. Stock up on essentials like food, water, medications, and fuel, and take a few minutes to review your insurance policies and document any valuable belongings. Walton County schools remain open at this time, but any changes will be announced through official channels.

For more guidance on staying safe and prepared, don’t forget to check out our Hurricane Preparedness Guide. It’s filled with practical tips to help protect you and your family during this critical time.

Walton County Emergency Management is coordinating with state and federal agencies to monitor the storm and will continue providing updates as more information becomes available. For more updates, follow the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and be sure to visit our beach flag page to stay informed on current beach conditions.

Stay safe, stay informed, and be prepared for any updates in the coming days!