S TAT E O F F L O R I D A

DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

RICK SCOTT Governor BRYAN W. KOON Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

CONTACT: PUBLIC INFORMATION (850) 413-9969 www.FloridaDisaster.org

PANHANDLE RESIDENTS URGED TO USE CAUTION AS TROPICAL STORM LEE BRINGS HEAVY RAIN AND THE POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING TALLAHASSEE- -Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are urging residents and visitors in the Panhandle region to remain vigilant near local rivers and use caution on area roadways as Tropical Storm Lee impacts the area through the Labor Day weekend. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties from Friday evening through Monday evening. Additional Flash Flood or Flood Watches may be issued this weekend for portions Northwest Florida. It is vital that residents and visitors in Northwest Florida remember the phrase Turn Around, Dont Drown when approaching a flooded roadway and heed all warnings from the National Weather Service and local officials, said Bryan W. Koon, Director of Floridas Division of Emergency Management. We urge motorists in the area to take the time to use a different route if they encounter roads that are underwater. Although the center of Tropical Storm Lee may stay west of the state, widespread showers and scattered thunderstorms on the eastern side of this slow moving system will bring the potential for heavy rainfall and flooding beginning this evening in the Florida Panhandle, said State Meteorologist Amy Godsey. Rainfall totals may reach between two and six inches across much of Northwest Florida and as high as five to ten inches in a few areas of the western Panhandle through the next five days. In addition, isolated occurrences of severe weather, including tornadoes, will be possible with any strong thunderstorms that develop. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. Rises on local rivers will also be possible with this system. Residents should monitor forecasts and be alert for possible flooding conditions. Facts on flooding in Florida: Flooding is one of Floridas most frequent hazards. In 2009, flooding events caused approximately $87.5 million in damage in Florida.
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FLORIDA RECOVERY OFFICE 5900 Lake Ellenor Drive Orlando, FL 32809 D I V I S I O N H E A D Q U A R T E R S STATE LO GI S TI CS R ESP O NSE CEN TER 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard 2702 Directors Row Tallahassee, FL 32399-2100 Orlando, FL 32809-5631 T el: 850-413-9969 Fax: 850-488-1016 www.FloridaDisaster.org

FLOODING RELEASE- -Page Two

All three types of floods can occur in Florida: o Areal floods occur with prolonged rainfall over several days, intense rainfall over a short period of time, or a river or stream overflows and floods the surrounding area. Areal floods are the most common type of flood and can cause considerable damage in urban areas. o A flash flood occurs within six hours of a rain event, or following a sudden release of water held by a dam or levee. o River flooding can be forecasted but still can cause extensive damage. To avoid getting caught in a flood, follow these safety rules:

NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio is one of the best ways to receive warnings from the National Weather Service. Monitor the NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite news source for vital weather-related information. If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding, including dips, low spots, canals, ditches, etc. Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

One of the most important things you can do to protect your home and family before a flood is to have a family or business plan and purchase a federal flood insurance policy. For more information on the Week, tips on protecting your home, and how to purchase flood insurance, please visit www.FloodSmart.gov. Floridians who want to learn more about flood safety can visit www.floodsafety.noaa.gov. For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT and on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/FLSERT.
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