Santa Rosa County Emergency Management is advising residents that heavy rains are expected through Thursday, and sand will be available in four locations.
With a tropical system trying to form in the Gulf of Mexico, the latest update from the National Weather Service in Mobile indicates our area will receive heavy rains beginning Tuesday morning through Thursday. There is the potential for more than 10″ in some areas – many of which are already well-saturated. Local rivers are currently running above level, increasing the potential for minor to moderate flooding. Those living in low-lying and flood-prone areas should pay special attention and make preparations now.
The county’s public works department will have sand available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the following locations by 5 p.m. today:
– Leisure Street in Holley by the Sea
– Tiger Point Park in Gulf Breeze
– Pace Fire-Rescue in Pace
– The corner of Pine Forest Road and Carroll Road in Milton
Bring your own sandbags and shovel. Bags can be purchased for less than 50 cents a piece at your local hardware store. For more information on how to make and use sandbags, visit the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (www.flash.org).
While sandbags can help mitigate to an extent, buying flood insurance is your best protection against flood loss, however flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
For more information on current weather events, visit www.weather.gov/mob. Sign up for local weather and other disaster alerts at www.alertsantarosa.com. For information on preparing for disasters, visit www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency or pick up the latest disaster guide at any Santa Rosa County office and your local grocery store.
