Heavy thunderstorms caused flash flooding in Panama City and nearby Bay County communities on Sunday morning, Nov. 1. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee issued several flash flood warnings for central Bay County starting at 5:53 a.m., and weather stations in the Panama City area recorded more than 7 inches of rain that day, with one topping 8 inches.
Our neighbors just south of us had a rough start to November. Here is what we know from official reports.
What happened on Nov. 1?
Rain started causing problems before sunrise. At 3:51 a.m., the National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for central Bay County, southeastern Walton County and southwestern Washington County, with 1 to 2 inches of rain already on the ground.
The Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for central Bay County at 5:53 a.m. At 8:15 a.m., a new warning called it “life threatening flash flooding” and said radar showed “between 5 and 8 inches of rain” had fallen. Another warning, issued at 9:41 a.m., said “Flash flooding is already occurring.”
How much rain fell?
Weather station reports compiled by the National Weather Service showed daily totals of about 7 to 8.4 inches across the Panama City area on Nov. 1, including:
- 8.38 inches about 2 miles west of Panama City
- 7.72 inches at the Hiland Sports Complex
- 7.65 inches near the former Panama City-Bay County airport
- 7.35 inches at the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, south of Lynn Haven
- 7.29 inches in Springfield
Which areas flooded?
The warnings named Panama City, Lynn Haven, Callaway, Springfield, Hiland Park, Parker, Dirego Park, Cedar Grove, Millville, Bay Harbor and Magnolia Beach, among other communities. Separate flood advisories covered western Bay County, including Laird, Hollywood Beach and Laguna Beach, and east-central Bay County.
Law enforcement reports passed to the National Weather Service included:
- The outside lane of eastbound U.S. 98 in Panama City flooded (about 6:53 a.m.)
- A flooded intersection at 14th Street and Beck Avenue (about 7:37 a.m.)
- Flooding on the 1200 block of Harrison Avenue (about 8:07 a.m.)
- Flooding closed lanes on 15th Street in Panama City (about 8:22 a.m.)
- West 4th Street impassable (about 9:07 a.m.)
- Barricades requested on 19th Street just east of Michigan Avenue (about 10:45 a.m.)
- Barricades requested at Lake Drive and U.S. 98 in Parker (about 11 a.m.)
Reports also said vehicles were trapped in floodwater on East 23rd Street and on MLK between 15th and 16th streets, and a car was flooded near 14th Street and Mercedes Avenue. A public report described water completely covering the road at Westover Circle near 23rd Street and Beck Avenue.
Did it affect Washington County?
The early flood advisories on Nov. 1, in effect from 3:51 a.m. until 7:15 a.m., included southwestern Washington County, warning of minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. The Weather Service’s storm report summary for Nov. 1 lists no flooding reports from Washington County. Here is what we forecast for Washington County on Nov. 1.
What happens next?
As of Tuesday evening, Nov. 3, there were no flood alerts for Bay or Washington counties. The Weather Service in Tallahassee expects another round of rain Wednesday and Thursday as a cold front approaches, with some thunderstorms possible. Forecasters expect generally up to an inch of rain across the region over the next week, with isolated higher amounts along the front, and said “there are currently no flooding concerns.” Cooler weather is expected late this weekend.
Heading to the beach? A rip current statement warns of dangerous rip currents at Bay County beaches through Wednesday afternoon.
How can I stay safe and get help?
- Never drive through a flooded road. The Weather Service’s advice: “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
- Report flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement when it is safe to do so. For anyone in danger, call 911.
- Check road conditions on state roads at FL511.com or by calling 511.
- Bay County residents can sign up for AlertBay, the county’s emergency alert system, through baycountyfl.gov.
- In Washington County? Here is how to get Washington County emergency alerts on your phone.
If you have friends or family in Panama City, it’s a good week to check on them. Good neighbors make the hard mornings easier.
Sources: National Weather Service Tallahassee flood advisories, flash flood warnings and local storm reports, Nov. 1, 2026; NWS Tallahassee area forecast discussion and rip current statement, Nov. 3, 2026; Bay County government (baycountyfl.gov); FL511.
