Leon County Urges Residents to Limit Travel and Stay Out of Flood Waters as Isaias Brings Heavy Rain
Leon County is urging residents to avoid non-essential travel from this evening through Saturday and to stay out of flood waters as Hurricane Isaias brings heavy rain to the region. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee expects 4 to 10 inches of rain across the region, with localized totals up to 15 inches, and about 6 to 8 inches in Leon County. A Flood Watch is in effect through Saturday evening, and the area is under a moderate risk (level 3 of 4) for excessive rainfall.
As of the National Hurricane Center’s 11 a.m. advisory, Isaias was a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, about 195 miles south of Pensacola, and is expected to make landfall this evening within the Hurricane Warning area west of our region. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Leon County. A Tornado Watch has also been issued for Leon County by the National Weather Service.
“The safest place for most residents tonight is at home,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Christian Caban. “If you don’t need to be on the road, please stay off it, and if you come to water on a roadway, turn around. No trip is worth that risk, and staying home also keeps the roads clear for first responders and County crews.”
“Our crews will continue to check known flood-prone roads this evening and remain on-call overnight, but water can rise quickly, and roads can wash out beneath the surface,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “Please treat every flooded road as closed, keep children and pets away from ditches, creeks and storm drains, and stay clear of downed power lines. We will keep residents informed through the weekend and please stay safe.”
Turn Around, Don’t Drown
The National Weather Service notes that more than half of all flood-related drownings happen when a vehicle is driven into flood water. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult, 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars, and 2 feet can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is never safe to drive or walk into flood water.
Know the Water Risks
Limit travel: Avoid non-essential travel tonight and Saturday, especially after dark, when water on the road is hard to see.
Never drive into water: Even shallow-looking water can hide a washed-out road. Turn around and find another route.
Respect barricades: Never drive around a barricade. The road beyond it may be under water or damaged.
Stay away from moving water: Ditches, creeks, retention ponds and storm drains can carry fast water that can sweep a person off their feet. Keep children and pets away.
Treat floodwater as contaminated: It can carry sewage, chemicals and debris. Wash with soap and clean water after any contact.
Watch for downed power lines: Assume every downed line is live, stay far away from any water near it and report it to your utility.
Rivers rise later: River levels can keep rising for days after the rain ends. The National Weather Service forecasts minor flooding on a few area rivers, and moderate river flooding is possible.
If water is rising around your home: Move to higher ground. If you are trapped or in danger, call 911.
Road Closures and Updates
County roads and updates: LeonCountyFL.gov/ei and the Citizens Connect mobile app
State roads: FL511.com
City of Tallahassee roads: Talgov.com
Questions: Leon County Citizens Information Line, 850-606-3700, or Lifeline Connection (formerly 2-1-1 Big Bend) at 2-1-1 or 850-617-6333
For media inquiries, contact Leon County Community and Media Relations at 850-606-3700 or CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
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