The region has already been saturated over the past several weeks and the storm is expected to bring up to a foot of rain as it impacts the Big Bend. That’s raising concerns about flooding—and has state and local agencies warning residents not to try to drive through flooded roads.
Tropical storm conditions are expected to arrive in Tallahassee this evening. The storm is expected hit the Big Bend coast as a Category 1 hurricane Monday. At present, Debby is located approximately 155 miles southwest of Tampa and is still making its way North.
It’s coming as the Big Bend region nears the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Idalia and is tracking toward a region that was beset by tornados in May. The storm is gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico.
Several counties will have shelters opening between now and later today.
Jefferson
The county's Emergency Evacuation Shelter will open noon Sunday:
- Jefferson K-12 School, 50 David Rd., Monticello.
For questions, call Jefferson County Emergency Management at 850-342-0211.
Taylor
The Taylor County Sheriff's Office has issued a volunteer evacuation order for all coastal and low-lying areas. The county's shelter opened 4 p.m. Saturday:
- Taylor County Elementary School, 1600 E. Green St., Perry.
Pets are allowed but must be in a crate.
The Taylor County Sheriff's Office has announced a 9 p.m. curfew beginning Sunday until 7 a.m. Monday. It resumes 9 p.m. Monday through 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Wakulla
Opening times have yet to be determined.
- Crawfordville Elementary School, 379 Arran Rd., Crawfordville.
Wakulla County Sheriff's Office, Division of Emergency Management, 850-745-7200.
Tallahassee-Leon County
Shelters open today at 4 p.m.:
- Fort Braden School, 15100 Blountstown Hwy.
- Chiles High School, 7200 Lawton Chiles Lane (pet-accessible).
- Rickards High School, 3013 Jim Lee Rd.
- Lincoln High School, 3838 Trojan Trail
- Fairview Middle School, 3415 Zillah St.
- SAIL High School, 2006 Jackson Bluff Rd.
