Re: Hurricane Season Has Arrived
DeFuniak Springs, FL ? Today, officials from the Walton County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) gathered to coordinate efforts and discuss issues pertaining to Tropical Storm Arlene.
*A tropical storm warning and hurricane watch is in effect along the Gulf Coast. Arlene is moving toward the north-northwest near 15 mph. A flood watch is also in effect because of the potential for heavy rainfall.
Forecasters anticipate wind gusts in our area to reach 40 mph, or higher once the storm approaches and rainfall will be in the 3 to 5 inch range, with heavier amounts possible. This could cause flooding of low lying areas. If the storm follows the project path the storm surge will be about 1 to 2 feet. If Arlene makes landfall further east the storm surge could reach 4 feet, which could cause beach erosion and some coastal flooding.
The Emergency Operation Center is expected to go into partial activation tonight at 8 pm and will remain in activation until the storm has cleared the area. At that time, a citizen?s information line will be set-up at the EOC to assist concerned citizens. The emergency citizen?s information can be reached at 892-8392 or 892-8394 after 8pm. The Emergency Operations Center number is 892-8065.
As a precaution, Walton County is declaring a Local State of Emergency and issuing a Volunteer Evacuation Notice to all trailer parks, mobile home owners, and residents in low lying and coastal areas. All RV and camp grounds are required to close at 3 pm this afternoon. Walton County?s beaches will be closed at 6 pm tonight.
A shelter will be manned by the American Red Cross and available at Freeport High School for both the general population and those with special needs at 3 pm today. Animals are not accepted at the shelter.
It is important to remember the following:
? Follow guidelines set forth by the Walton County Emergency Management officials;
? Have a disaster kit ready with at least a 2 to 3 day supply of food and water, flashlights, batteries;
? Fill your car with gas and have extra cash.
? Monitor local media for weather and updates from the EOC;
? Individuals living in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding should review their evacuation plan.
? Residents living in mobile homes should plan to take shelter.
The EOC is working with state and local agencies to ensure the safety of Walton County Citizens.
DeFuniak Springs, FL ? Today, officials from the Walton County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) gathered to coordinate efforts and discuss issues pertaining to Tropical Storm Arlene.
*A tropical storm warning and hurricane watch is in effect along the Gulf Coast. Arlene is moving toward the north-northwest near 15 mph. A flood watch is also in effect because of the potential for heavy rainfall.
Forecasters anticipate wind gusts in our area to reach 40 mph, or higher once the storm approaches and rainfall will be in the 3 to 5 inch range, with heavier amounts possible. This could cause flooding of low lying areas. If the storm follows the project path the storm surge will be about 1 to 2 feet. If Arlene makes landfall further east the storm surge could reach 4 feet, which could cause beach erosion and some coastal flooding.
The Emergency Operation Center is expected to go into partial activation tonight at 8 pm and will remain in activation until the storm has cleared the area. At that time, a citizen?s information line will be set-up at the EOC to assist concerned citizens. The emergency citizen?s information can be reached at 892-8392 or 892-8394 after 8pm. The Emergency Operations Center number is 892-8065.
As a precaution, Walton County is declaring a Local State of Emergency and issuing a Volunteer Evacuation Notice to all trailer parks, mobile home owners, and residents in low lying and coastal areas. All RV and camp grounds are required to close at 3 pm this afternoon. Walton County?s beaches will be closed at 6 pm tonight.
A shelter will be manned by the American Red Cross and available at Freeport High School for both the general population and those with special needs at 3 pm today. Animals are not accepted at the shelter.
It is important to remember the following:
? Follow guidelines set forth by the Walton County Emergency Management officials;
? Have a disaster kit ready with at least a 2 to 3 day supply of food and water, flashlights, batteries;
? Fill your car with gas and have extra cash.
? Monitor local media for weather and updates from the EOC;
? Individuals living in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding should review their evacuation plan.
? Residents living in mobile homes should plan to take shelter.
The EOC is working with state and local agencies to ensure the safety of Walton County Citizens.
