Tropical Storm Isaias Community Brief, County Sandbag Locations Open Oct. 8 at 9 a.m.
Leon County Government is in close coordination with the National Weather Service in Tallahassee and our local first responder agencies to monitor Tropical Storm Isaias. No watches or warnings are in effect for Leon County at this time. For up-to-the-minute emergency information, visit the County's Emergency Information Portal at LeonCountyFL.gov/ei.
"Since the weekend, our Emergency Management team has kept a close and steady watch on this system, working alongside the National Weather Service and our public safety partners," said Leon County Commission Chairman Christian Caban. "In Leon County, we take every storm seriously, we prepare early and we look out for one another. I ask each of you to follow the forecast closely, review your family disaster plan and check on your neighbors, especially those who may need a helping hand."
"Across County government, all of our teams are preparing now, including the Public Works crews preparing five sandbag sites opening Thursday morning," said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. "We will keep residents updated with timely, accurate information as the forecast changes, and I encourage everyone to stay connected through the Emergency Information Portal and Citizens Connect. Preparation is essential for disaster resilience and recovery, and we want everyone to be Leon Ready."
Storm Update
As of the National Hurricane Center's 5 a.m. advisory, Tropical Depression Nine has strengthened into Tropical Storm Isaias.
Isaias is forecast to become a hurricane Thursday over the central Gulf, then turn north toward the northern Gulf Coast, arriving late Friday or early Saturday. Some weakening is possible before it reaches the coast.
Forecast models still show a range of possible landfall locations from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, and the National Hurricane Center notes lower-than-usual confidence in the track at this stage. Reconnaissance aircraft are investigating the storm today, which should help sharpen the forecast.
The National Hurricane Center expects to issue hurricane watches for portions of the northern Gulf Coast later today.
What It Means for Leon County
Heavy rain is the primary concern. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee says rain could begin as early as late Thursday and continue through the weekend.
The highest rainfall totals are expected to be to our west across the Panhandle, with lower amounts in the Big Bend. Because the ground is already saturated from recent rain, localized flooding is possible.
The chance of tropical-storm-force winds in Tallahassee remains low, and the National Weather Service says it is too early to determine other local impacts.
Sandbag Locations
In anticipation of heavy rainfall, Leon County will open five sandbag locations for residents. Starting Thursday, Oct. 8, at 9 a.m., sandbags will be available at the following locations:
Apalachee Regional Park (Solid Waste Management Facility), 7550 Apalachee Parkway
Fred George Park, 3043 Capital Circle NW
Fort Braden Community Park, 15000 Blountstown Highway
Northeast Branch Library, 5513 Thomasville Road
Oak Ridge Road at Ranchero Road
Leon County will staff these sites from dawn to dusk to assist residents who need additional assistance in filling sandbags. Sand, bags and ties will be available for public use. Residents are asked to limit their sandbags to 15 per household to ensure availability for others.
The City of Tallahassee is also opening sandbag locations. For City locations and hours, visit Talgov.com.
State and Local Actions
Leon County Emergency Management is monitoring every advisory and coordinating with the National Weather Service and local public safety partners.
Public Works crews are checking flood-prone areas, ditches and stormwater systems, clearing drainage structures and making sure heavy equipment is fueled and ready.
Leon County Emergency Medical Services continues normal operations and is reviewing staffing plans for the weekend.
On Tuesday evening, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 26-202 declaring a state of emergency for 25 Florida counties, including Leon County.
What You Can Do Now
Today and Thursday are a good opportunity to review your hurricane plan and supplies before rain arrives.
Clear leaves and debris from storm drains and ditches near your home, and bring in or secure loose outdoor items.
Make sure you can receive weather alerts at any hour, including overnight. Download the Citizens Connect mobile app and keep your phone charged.
Never drive or walk through flooded roadways. Turn around, don't drown. Treat floodwater as contaminated and keep children out of it.
If someone in your home has special medical needs and may need help during a storm, register with the Leon County Special Needs Registry at SNR.FLHealthResponse.com.
Stay Informed
To stay up to date on Leon County preparedness actions, use the following resources:
LeonReady.com: The Leon Ready website is a hub of resources to help you, your family and your neighborhood prepare for disasters, including the County's Disaster Survival Guide and a full list of supplies for your disaster bucket.
Citizens Connect mobile app: Get emergency push notifications on your smartphone and be the first to know about shelter locations, road closures and service changes. Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Emergency Information Portal: Hosting the same information as Citizens Connect, the portal can be reached from a desktop or mobile browser at LeonCountyFL.gov/ei.
88.9 WFSU-FM: Tune in for the most up-to-date information from local public safety officials. WFSU, Leon County and the City of Tallahassee remain committed to getting information out on the radio as soon as possible.
iHeartRadio: Updates on WFLA-FM 100.7, WFLF-FM 94.5, WTNT 94.9, KISS-FM 107.1, X-FM 101.5 and The Beat-FM 105.3.
2-1-1 Big Bend: For community information, services and support any day of the year, dial 2-1-1 or 850-617-6333.
Leon County Citizens Information Line: Call 850-606-3700 with questions about how to prepare.
City of Tallahassee: For updates on City of Tallahassee Utilities and other City services, visit Talgov.com.
Insurance Consumer Helpline: Insurance specialists with the Florida Department of Financial Services answer questions about coverage and advocate for consumers in disputes with insurance companies. Call 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236) toll-free, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price gouging: During a state of emergency, it is unlawful to sell or lease certain commodities for an amount that grossly exceeds the average price. To report price gouging, call 1-866-966-7226.
Plan now, because when disaster strikes, it is too late to prepare. Leon County encourages residents to put disaster supplies in a durable, waterproof 5-gallon bucket and keep it near an exit door in your home or in your vehicle. Important items include a flashlight, medications, nonperishable food and water. A full list of preparedness items is available at LeonReady.com.
Once you and your family have a hurricane plan in place, check on your neighbors, especially older adults and people who live alone, to make sure they have one, too. Neighborhoods that prepare together create strong support networks that are vital to a speedy recovery.
It is important to know the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within a specified area and is generally issued 48 hours in advance. A hurricane warning means those conditions are expected and is generally issued 36 hours in advance.
Leon County will share updates as the forecast changes. For current information about local preparedness and response, visit LeonCountyFL.gov/ei.
For media inquiries, contact Leon County Community and Media Relations at 850-606-5300 or CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
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