NORRIEGO POINT - HARBOR SIDE
Okaloosa County, Florida
Last Updated: 7/22/2026, 6:01:16 AM
Active Weather Alerts
Coastal Flood Advisory issued July 22 at 4:24AM CDT until July 23 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
* WHAT...For the High Surf Warning, dangerously large breaking waves of 8 to 12 feet in the surf zone. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents. * WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and Okaloosa Coastal Counties. * WHEN...For the High Surf Warning, until 6 AM CDT Thursday. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 10 AM CDT Thursday. For the High Rip Current Risk, through late Thursday night. * IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected. Breaking waves can sweep people off jetties and docks, and into dangerous seas. Life- threatening swimming conditions and significant beach erosion can be expected. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
Tropical Storm Warning issued July 22 at 4:04AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
* LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Destin - Eglin AFB - Fort Walton Beach * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 35 mph - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Wind less than 39 mph - The wind threat has decreased from the previous assessment. - PLAN: The sustained wind should remain less than tropical storm force. Conditions may still be gusty. - PREPARE: Listen for any instructions from local officials. - ACT: Ensure emergency readiness should the forecast change. - REALIZED IMPACTS: Being Assessed - Little to no additional wind impacts expected. Community officials are now assessing the extent of actual wind impacts accordingly. * STORM SURGE - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Localized storm surge possible - Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 1-3 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas - Window of concern: through Thursday morning - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm surge flooding greater than 1 foot above ground - The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Shelter against storm surge flooding greater than 1 foot above ground. - PREPARE: All flood preparations should be complete. Expect flooding of low-lying roads and property. - ACT: Stay away from storm surge prone areas. Continue to follow the instructions of local officials. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding - Potential impacts from the main surge event are unfolding. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional around 1 inch - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Little or no potential for flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has decreased from the previous assessment. - PLAN: There is little or no potential for flooding rain. - PREPARE: Little to no preparations are needed to protect against flooding rain at this time. - ACT: Monitor for changes to the forecast. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None - Little to no potential impacts from flooding rain. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Situation is unfavorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Tornadoes not expected - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Tornadoes are not expected. Showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds may still occur. - PREPARE: Little to no preparations needed to protect against tornadoes at this time. Keep informed of the latest tornado situation. - ACT: Listen for changes in the forecast. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None - Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - For evacuation and shelter information, please refer to: - Okaloosa County EMA: 850-651-7150 or myokaloosa.com/emergency-management - For storm surge threat graphics and other storm impacts: - NWS Mobile: www.weather.gov/mob
High Surf Warning issued July 22 at 4:24AM CDT until July 23 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
* WHAT...For the High Surf Warning, dangerously large breaking waves of 8 to 12 feet in the surf zone. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents. * WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and Okaloosa Coastal Counties. * WHEN...For the High Surf Warning, until 6 AM CDT Thursday. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 10 AM CDT Thursday. For the High Rip Current Risk, through late Thursday night. * IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected. Breaking waves can sweep people off jetties and docks, and into dangerous seas. Life- threatening swimming conditions and significant beach erosion can be expected. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
Rip Current Statement issued July 22 at 4:24AM CDT until July 24 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
* WHAT...For the High Surf Warning, dangerously large breaking waves of 8 to 12 feet in the surf zone. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents. * WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and Okaloosa Coastal Counties. * WHEN...For the High Surf Warning, until 6 AM CDT Thursday. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 10 AM CDT Thursday. For the High Rip Current Risk, through late Thursday night. * IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected. Breaking waves can sweep people off jetties and docks, and into dangerous seas. Life- threatening swimming conditions and significant beach erosion can be expected. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
Tropical Cyclone Local Statement issued July 22 at 4:19AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
HLSMOB This product covers portions of southwest Alabama...northwest Florida...south central Alabama...and inland southeast Mississippi. **COASTAL AND OFFSHORE IMPACTS CONTINUE THIS MORNING AS BERTHA MOVES WESTWARD** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Baldwin Central, Baldwin Coastal, Escambia Coastal, Mobile Central, Mobile Coastal, Okaloosa Coastal, and Santa Rosa Coastal * STORM INFORMATION: - About 90 miles south of Mobile AL or about 100 miles southwest of Pensacola FL - 29.4N 88.3W - Storm Intensity 50 mph - Movement West or 270 degrees at 5 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Bertha is beginning to weaken and will move west of the local area this morning. Tropical storm force wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph have been observed at times along the immediate coast and additional tropical storm force gusts along the immediate coast are possible over the next few hours. Tide gauges in Pensacola Bay indicate that storm surge inundation of around 2 ft is occurring, which will result in minor flooding issues in typically flood prone areas. Similar minor coastal flooding is possible in coastal Alabama and Mobile Bay this morning. Another round of minor coastal flooding is also possible during high tide Thursday morning due to the persistent and strong onshore flow in the wake of Bertha. Dangerous surf and beach conditions continue. A high risk of deadly rip currents is in effect through Thursday night. A High Surf Warning remains in effect due to surf of 8 to 11 feet along the Gulf beaches. These large breaking waves will result in minor beach erosion, along with flooding of vulnerable areas of the west end of Dauphin Island, the Ft. Pickens area, and portions of Highway 399 between Pensacola Beach and Navarre in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * SURGE: Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across coastal Alabama and northwest Florida. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore. - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where surge water covers the road. - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents. - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings. Elsewhere across portions of southwest Alabama...northwest Florida...south central Alabama...and inland southeast Mississippi., little to no impact is anticipated. * OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS: Dangerous surf and beach conditions are expected. A high risk of deadly rip currents continues through much of the week. Surf of 8-11 feet will continue today. * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across coastal Alabama and northwest Florida. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. Elsewhere across portions of southwest Alabama...northwest Florida...south central Alabama...and inland southeast Mississippi., little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For the latest detailed evacuation and shelter information...please refer to your local emergency management agency at the phone number or website listed below. - Coastal Alabama: - Baldwin County: 251-972-6807 or www.baldwincountyal.gov/departments/EMA - Mobile County: 251-460-8000 or mobilecountyema.gov - Northwest Florida: - Escambia County: 850-471-6400 or myescambia.com/beready - Santa Rosa County: 850-983-5360 www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency - Okaloosa County: 850-651-7150 or myokaloosa.com/emergency-management - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Mobile AL around 10 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.
Current Water Quality Status
Water quality is good for swimming and recreational activities.
Is it Safe to Swim?
No Current Advisory
Based on the latest testing, water quality meets acceptable standards for recreational use.
General Safety Tips
- Always check current conditions before swimming
- Avoid swimming after heavy rainfall when bacteria levels may be higher
- Don't swim if you have open wounds or compromised immune system
- Shower immediately after swimming in natural waters
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from sun exposure
Recent Water Quality History
| Date | Enterococcus Level | Status | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7/14/2026 (Latest) | 1 | Good | ✅ No |
| 6/29/2026 | 1 | Good | ✅ No |
| 6/15/2026 | 10 | Good | ✅ No |
| 6/1/2026 | 10 | Good | ✅ No |
| 5/18/2026 | 1 | Good | ✅ No |
| 5/4/2026 | 1 | Good | ✅ No |
| 4/20/2026 | 10 | Good | ✅ No |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrio and how can I avoid it?
Vibrio is a type of bacteria that lives in warm seawater. To avoid it, do not swim with open wounds, and avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish. If you get a cut while in the water, wash it immediately with soap and clean water.
How is the water quality tested at the beach?
Water quality is typically tested for enterococci (a type of fecal indicator bacteria) and sometimes E. coli. Samples are collected and analyzed in a lab. The results help determine if the water is safe for swimming.
What does an ‘advisory’ for water quality mean?
An advisory means that recent tests have shown high levels of bacteria in the water, which can increase your risk of illness. It is recommended to avoid swimming or wading until the advisory is lifted.
Is it safe to swim after it rains?
It is generally recommended to avoid swimming for at least 24-48 hours after heavy rainfall. Rain can wash pollutants and bacteria from the land into the water, temporarily increasing health risks.
What do the different colored lifeguard flags mean?
Green flag: Low hazard, calm conditions. Yellow flag: Medium hazard, moderate surf/currents. Red flag: High hazard, strong surf/currents. Double red flag: Water is closed to the public. Purple flag: Dangerous marine life spotted.
What should I do if I see a jellyfish?
If you see a jellyfish, it’s best to avoid it. Even beached jellyfish can sting. If you are stung, rinse the area with vinegar if available, and carefully remove any tentacles with a towel or tweezers. Seek medical attention if you have a severe reaction.
Are sharks a common threat at Florida beaches?
Shark attacks are very rare. To reduce your risk, avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, don’t swim alone, and avoid wearing shiny jewelry. Most sharks are not interested in humans.
Can I get sick from swallowing beach water?
Yes, swallowing water contaminated with bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness (stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting). Try to avoid swallowing water while swimming.
How can I protect marine life while at the beach?
You can help protect marine life by properly disposing of your trash, not feeding wildlife, and keeping a safe distance from animals like sea turtles and nesting birds. Also, use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral reefs.