Ida fizzles out, brings rain and wind (with PHOTOS)

At 7 a.m., the shelter and special needs shelter at Freeport High School will be closed as the severity of Tropical Storm Ida continues to decrease in intensity.

In addition, Walton County’s Emergency Operation’s Center will scale back to partial staff. EOC Director, Captain Mike Barker, says “the Sheriff’s Office will monitor the weather picture as Ida continues to weaken and move eastward across the panhandle”.

Captain Barker advises residents particularly in low-lying areas’ to keep an eye on rising water levels along area rivers and creeks.

FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM IDA'S IMPACT ON SOUTH WALTON COUNTY, CLICK HERE.

The national weather service and local officials will also monitor any possibility of rising river levels in coming days.

Shortly after 2 a.m. this morning, Ft. Panic Road at CR 30A in the Santa Rosa Beach area was closed due to water being reported over the roadway. County work crews headed to the scene to make the roadway passable.

It is now reported that Ft. Panic Road and C.R. 30A in the Santa Rosa Beach area has been reopened to vehicle traffic. Motorists are urged to remain cautious as high water remains along the shoulder of the intersection, and driving conditions are slick.