June 17, 11:30 a.m. - A tropical system may bring heavy rains to the area according to the latest update from US National Weather Service in Mobile. Heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding, particularly of low lying and urban areas, is possible beginning Friday night through Sunday along with a low-end tornado threat on Saturday. There is also a high risk of rip currents and high surf along Navarre Beach beginning Friday and continuing through the weekend. Santa Rosa County Emergency Management officials encourage residents to monitor local weather reports throughout the weekend.
In anticipation of the potential for heavy rains, the county's public works department has sand available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the following locations:
- The corner of Leisure St. and Citrus Dr. in Navarre
- Tiger Point Park in Gulf Breeze
- Pace Fire-Rescue in Pace
- The corner of Pine Forest Rd. and Carroll Rd. in Milton
Residents must provide their own sandbags and shovel. Bags can be purchased at many local hardware stores. For information on how to make and use sandbags, visit the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes. While sandbags can help mitigate to an extent, buying flood insurance is the best protection against flood loss.
Floods are the nation's most common and costly natural disaster and cause millions of dollars in damage every year. And get it sooner rather than later - flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
"Residents should prepare for the possibility of flash flooding in low-lying areas," said Public Safety Director Brad Baker. "This system is a good reminder to always be prepared. Now is the time to make plans and preparations for you and your family."
- Visit Santa Rosa County's Know Your Zone for evacuation zone information. Santa Rosa County recently updated the evacuation zone map as part of a statewide evacuation zone study through Florida Department of Emergency Management.
- Sign up for emergency alerts at www.AlertSantaRosa.com.
- Review your disaster plan and make sure it includes your pets.
- Check your disaster supply kit and replenish necessary items.
For current weather events, visit www.weather.gov/mob. For information on preparing for disasters, visit www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency or pick up a disaster guide at Santa Rosa County Emergency Management, 4499 Pine Forest Rd. in Milton.
# # #