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Coastal Evacuation Notices Issued For Wakulla, Franklin Counties

Flooding in Florida after a heavy storm.
Roger Wollstadt via Flickr

Low Lying Coastal Areas South of US 98 and 319 in Wakulla County

In response to potential impacts from Tropical Storm Hermine, the Wakulla County Emergency Management Team in coordination with the Wakulla County Administration is issuing an evacuation of low lying coastal homes south of US 98 and 319.  The National Weather Service in Tallahassee is forecasting a storm tide of 5-7 feet for our area which may result in an inundation of 3-5 feet above ground level. 

 

Residents and interests along the immediate coastline and in low lying areas should take steps to protect property and are asked to evacuate. A shelter is available at Crawfordville Elementary School located at 379 Arran Road.  The shelter will be available for all residents with homes that are vulnerable to high winds or downed trees.  

Wakulla County Schools and County Offices will be closed on Thursday, September 1st and Friday September 2nd.

If you have any questions or need assistance with evacuations, please contact the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office at 850.745.7100. 

From Franklin County:

Franklin County has issued a Mandatory Evacuation Notice for Residents of the following areas of Franklin County Starting at 5:00 pm 8/31/2016 until 10:00 am 9/1/2016:

  • St. George Island
  • Dog Island
  • Alligator Point
  • Bald Point
  • All Low Lying Areas
  • All Residents who live along the Coastline or are Prone to Surge Flooding
  • All Residents who live in Mobile Homes or RV’s

Storm Surge will be a concern with inundation values predicted to be at 3-6 feet above normal.
Franklin County is in the Cone of Uncertainty.  We are asking that all Residents who live along the coastline or are prone to surge flooding to start making preparations.  This includes but is not limited to:

  1. Secure yard items such as chairs, umbrellas, etc.
  2. Secure Boats and Vehicles – This includes moving vehicles to higher ground.
  3. Make sure your disaster kit is ready and accessible.

Crawfordville Elementary will open as a shelter open today at 5:00pm, however we recommend to relocate to a hotel rather than a shelter.
Please monitor the weather closely for the next several days. 

There is an elevated risk of Rip Current for the next several days.  Please Use Caution! 

Sand Bags are available at the Franklin County EOC, 28 Airport Road, Apalachicola.  Sand bags are limited to 10 bags per household and only if you are prone to coastal flooding or your house is on ground level.

Franklin County Emergency Management continues to monitor this storm closely.  If you have any questions, please feel free to visit our website at www.franklinemergencymanagement.com.  Be sure to LIKE our Facebook page for update.  You are also welcome to contact us at 850-653-8977.