Tropical Storm Fay Update

Saturday, 23 August 2008 06:30 Last Updated on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 05:12 Written by Sandi Kemp

Latest updates on predictions including heavy rains, winds, tides and tornadoes. Tropical Storm Fay Weather Update The National Weather Service issued a tropical storm watch and flood watch for our area. Dependant on the actual track the storm takes, they are predicting: · The biggest threat will be heavy rain, with a total of 8-12 inches, with up to 20 inches in isolated areas. · Winds will begin late this evening, with coastal areas experiencing 30-40 mph sustained winds and tropical storm force gusts that can exceed 50 mph, inland areas north of Interstate 10 can expect winds of 25-30 and strong gusts. · Tides are expected to be 2-4 feet above normal, with possible coastal flooding. · Tornados are possible today and Sunday. A NOAA Weather Alert radio can be a lifesaver especially while you are sleeping. · Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should heed red flag warnings and stay out of the water as deadly rip currents and rough surf conditions are expected. · River flooding is also possible, and may occur after the storm passes the area. · The storm is slow moving, and winds and rain may be possible for an extended period of time. · Residents are encouraged to monitor the local media for the most up-to-date information. Evacuations No evacuation orders have been issued. However, for your own safety and comfort, if you plan to leave please do so now. A shelter will open at noon, however sheltering at a home of family or friends located inland, is far more comfortable than the public shelter and should be your first choice. At this time, Santa Rosa County does not have a shelter that accepts pets. Shelters · A Red Cross shelter will open at noon at the Milton Community Center- 5629 Byrom Street for both special needs and the general population. · Those with special needs must come with their own caregiver and call (850) 983-4636 before arriving at the shelter. · Anyone needing transportation assistance to a shelter, call (850) 983-4636. · If you go to a public evacuation shelter, you will need to take the following items: o A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes. o Toiletries and personal items. o Blankets or sleeping bags. o Identification and any important papers. o Games or toys for children; books for adults. o Special items for infants or elderly family members. o Any special dietary needs and nonperishable foods for snacks. o Battery operated radio, flashlights and plenty of spare batteries. o Prescription medications or any over-the-counter medications you normally take. Roads · Tolls for Garcon Point Bridge have been lifted. · Residents should anticipate some roads and bridges located near streams and rivers to close due to flooding. The flood stages of rivers will be monitored regularly by emergency management staff. Those living near streams and rivers should also monitor water levels to ensure their safety. Planning Actions by Emergency Management The EOC activated at a level 2, or partial activation with key staff at 8 a.m. today. All Emergency Support Function personnel are on stand by to respond as needed. County Administrator Hunter Walker signed a State of Emergency Declaration at 9 a.m. on Friday. The citizen information line will be available unless otherwise notified at (850) 983-4636 (INFO). An extra road crew has been placed on call for the weekend to respond as needed. Government Offices/Schools At this time, the storm is not expected to affect normal county offices or school openings on Friday or Monday. Early voting will continue today, August 23, 8:30-4:30. Sand Bags Sand and sand bags are available at the following sites/times. Residents should bring shovels and be prepared to fill and load their own bags. There is a 25-bag limit per vehicle. All sand bag distribution will end at 1 p.m. today or sooner if supplies run out. Midway Fire District- 1322 College Parkway Corner of Carroll Road and Pine Forest Road (sand only), bags can be picked up at Emergency Management- 4499 Pine Forest Road Pace Fire Rescue District -4773 Pace Patriot Blvd. Skyline Fire and Rescue District- 6924 Highway 87 The City of Gulf Breeze does not currently have sand bags available, and at this time does not expect area residents will need sand bags. However, they will be available if there are changes in the weather forecast. Steps Residents Can Take Do not panic. Make sure your disaster kit contains non-perishable food, water, medications for 3-5 days for each family member and pet. Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture and toys. Anchor objects that can not be brought inside. Know what low-lying areas near your home are subject to flooding such as creeks, drainage channels, streams and bayous. Stay away from moving water. Moving water six inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Leave your home if advised or if you feel threatened. If you have time, turn off all utilities at the main switch and move all valuables to a higher floor if possible, but only if you have time.Please do not call 9-1-1 to report power outages. Power outages should be reported to Gulf Power at 1-800-GU-Power (1-800-487-6937) or Escambia River Cooperative, Inc. at 1-877-OUT-EREC or 1-877-688-3732 Residents are asked to stay off the roads on Saturday evening and Sunday as the heavy rain may flood low-lying area roads and bridges. Any closures will be announced as they occur. Residents are urged to drive cautiously and if possible, avoid driving until the severe weather has passed. Mariners should heed small-craft warnings and remain in port. Updates, notifications and alerts are available by e-mail or text messaging during an emergency. To subscribe to this free public service, please log on to www.santarosa.fl.gov Military Bases Hurlburt Field has secured loose material and equipment, cleared storm drains and ensured vehicles are fueled, all aircraft smaller than a C-130 will be sheltered in hangars. The base has not declared an official hurricane condition status because the forecasted wind strength has not called for such measures, but officials encourage all personnel and their families to take similar precautions at their residences. EMS Lifeguard Ambulance Service has increased staffing levels with strategic placement of rapid response vehicles in low-lying areas in preparation for flooding and to Navarre Beach to warn citizens of riptides. Hospitals Gulf Breeze and Jay hospitals: Are readying generators, ensuring fuel needs are sufficient. In anticipation of high winds, both facilities are securing any items that could blow around on campus. In anticipation of heavy rains, preparing sand bags for exterior facility doors that are in low areas are also being prepared. Housekeeping staff are prepared to extract and remediate water intrusion over the weekend. Maintenance staff and EVS personnel on stand by for any issues. Utilities Gulf Power’s crews are on standby to begin restoration when needed and an additional 200 are coming from Georgia Power to assist from Panama City to Pensacola. The company is also checking its supplies of materials and reviewing storm assignments. Crews will respond to outages until winds reach 35 mph. At that time, our crews will need to seek shelter until winds return to below 35 mph. Gulf Power is able to detect most widespread outages during a storm and customers should wait a reasonable time before calling in an outage report. The company encourages customers to call 1-800-GU-POWER (487-6937) for reporting outages. Escambia River Electric Cooperative, Inc. (EREC) has placed all emergency response personnel in a storm readiness alert status. Preparations have been made to assure the restoration of power is handled as quickly and efficiently as possible should the storm cause damage to the EREC power system. Know your warnings! A Tropical Storm Watch Issued when tropical storm conditions are possible within 36 hours. A Tropical Storm Warning A warning that sustained winds within the range of 39 to 73 mph or 63 to 118 km/hr (34 to 63 knots) associated with a tropical storm are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less. Severe Thunderstorm Watch Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. A severe thunderstorm may contain large damaging hail of 3/4 inch (20 mm) diameter or larger, and/or damaging winds 58 mph (95 km/h or 50 knots) or greater. A tornado is possible. Severe Thunderstorm Warning A severe thunderstorm is indicated by Doppler weather radar or sighted by Skywarn spotters. A severe thunderstorm may contain large damaging hail of 3/4 inch (20 mm) diameter or larger, and/or damaging winds 58 mph (95 km/h or 50 knots) or greater. Tornado Watch Issued when conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. You should monitor local radio or TV stations to stay informed and to know immediately if a tornado warning is issued. Tornado Warning Issued when a tornado has been sighted in the area. Take shelter immediately! New radar technology known as DOPPLER has the ability to detect wind directions that may indicate a tornado and a tornado warning may be issued before one is actually sighted by the public. Flash Flood Watch Conditions are favorable for flash flooding in and close to the watch area. These watches are issued by the Weather Forecast Office and are usually issued six to twenty-four hours in advance of expected flood potential. Flash Flood Warning Flash flooding is occurring, imminent or highly likely. A flash flood is a flood that occurs within 6 hours of excessive rainfall and that poses a threat to life and/or property. Dam failures can also cause flash floods. These warnings are issued on a county by county basis by the local Weather Forecast Office and are generally in effect for up to 6 hours. Flood Warning General or area flooding of streets, low-lying areas, urban storm drains, creeks and small streams is occurring, imminent, or highly likely. Flood warnings are issued for flooding that occurs more than 6 hours after the excessive rainfall. These warnings are issued on a county by county basis by the local Weather Forecast Office and are generally in effect for 6 to 12 hours. Citizen Information Line The citizen information line will be available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 a.m.- 7 p.m., unless otherwise notified, at (850) 983-4636 (INFO). Official Web Site for County Storm Information

www.santarosa.fl.gov