Beaches on Florida Panhandle Closed to Swimmers as Hurricane Sally Approaches

The double red flag was flying at Panama City Beach, Florida, on Monday, September 14, prohibiting the public to enter the water as Hurricane Sally approached the Gulf Coast of the United States.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Monday morning that Sally “rapidly” strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane with winds reaching 90 mph. The NHC warned of coastal flooding and “dangerous” storm surge.

The NHC said on September 14 that much of the Florida panhandle was under a Tropical Storm Warning.

Bay District Schools in Panama City also announced it would cancel classes on Tuesday due to flooding and safety concerns.

Hurricane Sally was forecast to near southeastern Louisiana on Monday night and make landfall on Tuesday.

This video shows people wading in rough waters as a double red flag warning was put in effect, according to the uploader. Credit: Janna Duckett via Storyful