SR County TS Debby Update #2

 Santa Rosa County is currently under a tropical Storm Warning.  A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions including sustained winds of 39-73 MPH are possible within the warning area within 36 hours.

• Tropical Storm Debby was located about 140 miles south-southwest of Apalachicola at 10 a.m. Tropical Storm Debby is moving toward the northeast and little motion is expected during the next 12 to 24 hours. The forecast track shows the center of Debby moving slowly over the northern Gulf of Mexico during the next few days. Some slight strengthening is possible during the next 48 hours. The forecast track of Tropical Storm Debby is still uncertain. 
• Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout the day.
• Santa Rosa County is under a flash flood watch until Tuesday morning. Three to six inches for most locations with up to 10 inches in areas, are possible.
• Given the recent heavy rains in the area, the thresholds for flooding are lower than normal. Residents and visitors in low-lying areas should monitor storm conditions closely and take appropriate actions as needed.
• Storm surge of three to five feet for coastal areas is possible. The highest water levels would most likely be Monday into Tuesday.
• Minor beach erosion is possible.
• The risk of dangerous rip currents will remain high through out late Wednesday.

 Actions Taken by Santa Rosa County

• The county administrator declared a Local State of Emergency at noon on Sunday, June 24. Declaring a local state of emergency allows the county to make formal requests to the state and FEMA for assistance.
• Emergency management staff have been in planning meetings today and will be monitoring conditions over night. The emergency operations center will activated at a level 2, or partial activation, at 7 a.m. Monday morning.
• The Citizens Information Line is open at (850) 983-INFO (4636).
•  The American Red Cross is on stand by to open a public shelter if needed.
• County offices and the courts system will operate as normally scheduled on Monday, June 25.

 Beach Conditions

• Double red flags are currently flying at Navarre Beach. Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed the flag warnings and stay out of the water as deadly rip currents and rough surf conditions are present.

 Sand Bags

Sand only is available at following location. Residents should bring shovels and be prepared to fill and load their own bags: 

• Tiger Point Park-1370 Tiger Park Lane, Gulf Breeze
• The intersection of Pine Forest Road and Carroll Road in Milton
• Sandbags can be purchased at local home improvement stores or picked up at no charge while supplies last at Midway Fire District Station (when staff are not out on a call) located at 1322 College Pkwy.  There is a 25-bag limit per vehicle.

Traffic Conditions

• Heavy rain may quickly flood low-lying areas including roads and bridges.  Standing water creates a serious road hazard, even when only a portion of the roadway is flooded. 
• Dangerous road conditions can be reported to (850) 983-5372.
• Road closures will be announced as they occur.
• The National Park Service has closed J Earl Bowden Way, between Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach, due to concerns about coastal flooding from Tropical Storm Debby. The detour is U.S. Hwy. 98.

Steps Residents Can Take Now

• Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should heed the double red flag warnings and stay out of the water as deadly rip currents and rough surf conditions are present.
• Review your family disaster plan. Don’t forget special plans for elderly, handicapped, children and pets.
• Know your evacuation zone. Remember, evacuation zones are now A-E. Use the interactive evacuation zone tool found at www.santarosa.fl.gov/gis by typing in your address to see what zone you live in.
• Make plans to secure your property. Check for, fix or remove loose items on your structures/homes. Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and down spouts.
• Make sure your hurricane kit contains non-perishable food, water, medications for three to five days for each family member and pet.
• Know what low-lying areas near your home are subject to flooding such as creeks, drainage channels, streams and bayous.
• Santa Rosa County Division of Emergency Management’s latest all-hazards disaster guide is now available online atwww.santarosa.fl.gov/news/factsheet/2012%20Disaster%20Guide.pdf or at county offices and libraries, local chambers of commerce, and local retailers.

General Safety Information

• www.santarosa.fl.gov or follow us on Twitter at @SRCBOCC
• Please monitor your home weather radio and local media outlets for the most up-to-date information.
• Your best defense in any disaster is a NOAA Weather radio.
• Citizens can signup to automatically receive breaking news alerts from Santa Rosa County Emergency Management via e-mail or as a text message on their cell phone at:  www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency/publicwarning.html