Tropical Storm Fay Update

Friday, 22 August 2008 06:12 Last Updated on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 05:12 Written by Sandi Kemp

Weather Update

The National Weather Service issued a tropical storm watch and flood watch for our area.

Tropical Storm Fay Dependant on the actual track the storm takes, they are predicting:· 5-day rain total of 10-15 inches, with possible higher totals in isolated areas · Winds will begin late this evening, with 20-30 mph sustained winds and tropical storm force gusts.· Tides are expected to be 1-3 feet above normal, with possible costal flooding.· River flooding is also possible, and may occur after the storm passes the area. Planning Actions by Emergency Management

County Administrator Hunter Walker signed a State of Emergency Declaration at 9 a.m. today.
The EOC is currently not planning to activate, though emergency management personal will be working through the weekend with additional staff placed on call.
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).
An extra road crew has been placed on call for the weekend to respond as needed.
The flood stages of rivers will be checked tomorrow and monitored regularly.
The Red Cross has been notified, and if needed, a shelter will be opened.

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 through Saturday, August 23, 8:30-4:30 each day.

Sand BagsSand 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.

Pace Fire Rescue District -4773 Pace Patriot Blvd. available 24-hours until gone. Staff is on hand to assist the elderly or disabled.
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 changes.
Public Works Department- 6075 Old Bagdad Highway on Friday, 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Corner of Carroll Road and Pine Forest Road (sand only) anytime while supplies last
Skyline Fire and Rescue District- 6924 Highway 87 on Friday & Saturday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Navarre and Midway residents are asked to call (850) 983-4636 for more information on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (unless otherwise notified)

Steps Residents Can Take

Do not panic. Now is an excellent time to review your hurricane plan with your family. Make sure your hurricane 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.
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.
Mariners should heed small-craft warnings and remain in port.
Residents are encouraged to monitor the local media for the most up-to-date information. A NOAA Weather Alert radio can be a lifesaver especially during the evenings when you are sleeping.
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

Know your warnings! A Tropical Storm WatchIssued when tropical storm conditions are possible within 36 hours. A Tropical Storm WarningA 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 WatchConditions 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 WarningA 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. Ice jams and 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. Official Web Site for County Storm Information