Fire Chief Paul Hasenmeier and county officials provided an update on Tropical Storm Debby this morning at 10:00 am.
Storm surge is anticipated to be 3-5 feet in Hernando County with rainfall between 6 and 12 inches and locally up to 18 inches.
The outer bands of the storm will be moving into our area over the next few hours.
There is a threat for isolated tornadoes tonight and into Monday. The earliest arrival time for tropical storm force winds are over the next couple of hours.
They believe winds will die down tomorrow around 1 p.m.
A voluntary evacuation order has been issued for zone A. All residents living in coastal low lying areas and manufactured homes county wide are included.
There is a shelter open at West Hernando Middle School- general population, special needs and pet friendly.
County Commissioner Brian Hawkins stated that people in zone A who do not evacuate need to be aware that high tide will be at 4:30 a.m. tomorrow and they need to closely monitor flood conditions, water intrusion and possible electrical fires. The National Guard 3rd Battalion 265 Air Defense Artillery out of Fort Myers is on standby.
“We’re going to be driving around the coastal areas for them to get familiar with the roads in case of flooding,” said Hawkins.
“We appreciate them being here and being available to the citizens of Hernando County.”
“This is going to be a very similar water event like we had last year. It’s intensifying. If you are in coastal areas- you remember what happen last year. ”
All non-essential government offices will be closed Monday, Aug. 5. The Emergency Operations Center, Fire and EMS, and Brooksville Fire Department will be operational through the duration of the storm. The Sheriff’s Office is fully staffed and available to deal with normal emergencies and storm related.
Republic Services will be collecting garbage tomorrow and the main landfill will be open.
Shelter Information:
West Hernando Middle School
14325 Ken Austin Pkwy., Brooksville, FL 34614
o Special Needs Clients
o General Population
o Pet Friendly
(Please note- Eat a meal before traveling to the shelter. No meal will be provided tonight, however, breakfast will be served in the morning.)
*If you are needing the Special Needs Shelter and have a pet, transportation from either your house or shelter location for your pet is done through Animal Control with Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. Please call Hernando County Public Information Center (PIC) at 352-754-4083 to arrange pick up. The PIC is open.
Pet Friendly Shelter Tips
Citizens and their animals are housed in separate sections of the designated shelter(s). If you need to seek shelter with your pet during a declared emergency the following list will help you be prepared:
· Bring your own appropriately sized crate (County resources are limited)
· Bring all your dogs required medications
· Bring several days’ worth of your animals’ food
· Ensure your dog is current on all vaccinations
· Bring your own leash and collar. Ensure your dog is trained to walk on a leash
· Bring any toys and/or bedding that will make your animal comfortable
· If your animal is fearful or shy, bring sheets to cover the crate while still allowing airflow
· If you bring a crate place something unique on it to distinguish it from others
· Understand that your animal will not be housed in the same section as you; however, you will have access to your animal and are still responsible for their care
· Do not buy different snacks or food for the animal that they are not accustomed to, this will often cause the animals to have digestive issues; particularly when they are already stressed
· If your animal has any propensity to bite animals or humans, please obtain and utilize a muzzle
· Bring spray cleaner, paper towels etc., to be able to clean your animal’s crate
