Isaac: Santa Rosa Update

August 24, 2012

Santa Rosa County Emergency Management is closely monitoring and preparing for any possible impacts from Tropical Storm Isaac. Staff will continue to participate in conference calls with the National Weather Service and State Emergency Operations Center through the weekend.  Residents are urged to monitor the local media for the most up-to-date forecast as the track is currently very uncertain and conditions may change rapidly.

At this time, Santa Rosa County is in the “5-day cone of uncertainty” which shows the forecast path of the center of the storm with as much as a 300-mile “cone.” Because the storm could track anywhere within the cone, everyone in the cone area needs to begin storm preparations. Learn more about the forecast cone and actions you should take at www.santarosa.fl.gov/news/factsheet/2012%20Disaster%20Guide.pdf#page=27.

Storm Information as Currently Forecasted by the National Weather Service

  • The forecast beyond 72 hours is still uncertain, but Isaac is forecast to move over or near the Lower Florida Keys late Sunday night, then move in a northwest motion in the eastern Gulf of Mexico before making a turn towards the north on Tuesday, eventually making landfall somewhere between the Florida Panhandle and southeastern Louisiana.
  • At the current forecast track, winds could increase to 15 to 20 knots on Sunday night and increase to near tropical storm force Monday night. This condition could continue through Wednesday.
  • The risk of rough surf and dangerous rip currents is elevated today and will likely increase to high risk by Monday.

Impacts of a Category 1 Storm can Include

Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.

Sand & Bags

Sand and sand bags are available at local home improvement stores for purchase. Santa Rosa County is making limited supplies available at no cost at several locations. Residents should bring shovels and be prepared to fill and load their own bags. County and fire department staff ARE NOT available to make home deliveries.  If fire department staff are on calls, they will not be available to hand out sand bags.

  • Sand only is available at the following locations while supplies last.
    • Tiger Point Park-1370 Tiger Park Lane, Gulf Breeze
    • The intersection of Pine Forest Road and Carroll Road in Milton
  • Empty Sandbags (25-bag limit per vehicle) while supplies last at:
    • Midway Fire District Station at 1322 College Pkwy.
    • Midway Fire District Station at 1801 Abercrombie Rd.
  • Sand & Sandbags (25-bag limit per vehicle) while supplies last at:
    • Pace Fire Rescue District at 4773 Pace Patriot Blvd.

Steps Residents Can Take Now

  • 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.
  • 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 at www.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
  • 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

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News