Upcoming Storm Preparation
- August 29, 2016
Pinellas: Sandbags available today
County to make sandbags available in three locations to prepare for upcoming rain forecast
Pinellas County is making sandbags available today at noon to allow our residents sufficient time to make necessary preparation for the upcoming rain forecast.
Pinellas County is expected to experience 5 to 7 inches of rain through Friday morning. Due to the inconsistencies of the storm track and an increase in the expected rainfall, Pinellas County is making sandbags available starting Aug. 28 at noon through Monday, Aug. 29, at the following three locations:
· John Chesnut Sr. Park, 2200 East Lake Road in Palm Harbor
· Lealman Community Park, 3890 55th Ave. N. in St. Petersburg
· Taylor Park, 1100 Eighth Ave. S.W. in Largo
Sandbags will be limited to 20 per person. Material and bags will be supplied. Residents must fill their own sandbags. Shovels will be available. The sandbag distribution will be open during daylight hours.
Residents are reminded that sandbags are only meant for freshwater flooding issues and are in no way useful for storm surge from a tropical storm or hurricane. Residents in non-evacuation zones who are prone to flooding from rainfall are encouraged to utilize this opportunity to prepare. Residents in evacuation zones should be checking their hurricane plans and kits and getting them ready to evacuate in the event this developing system requires additional action, such as evacuations, by local officials.
Currently the forecast is relatively certain about the system tracking into the southeast Gulf on Monday. Thereafter, uncertainty remains with respect to both the track and intensity of the disturbance. Regardless, the potential for locally heavy rainfall will increase, especially over the southern third of the Florida peninsula into early next week. Brief gusty winds may also accompany any heavier showers or storms that occur. Everyone is encouraged to watch the weather closely over the weekend. Pinellas County will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
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