Thursday, September 1, 2016

Mandatory Evacuation and Shelter Locations




September 1, 2016 @ 10:20 am

The Levy County Emergency Management Office is ordering a MANDATORY evacuation of all coastal communities along the Gulf Coast and the Suwannee River of Levy County.

The National Weather Service is predicting dangerous, possibility life threatening storm surge late Thursday into Friday.  Storm surge potentially 3 feet higher than experienced during Tropical Storm Colin or 8 feet mean sea level (MSL) is expected.  That does not include any effects of rainfall and wave action.  Citizens along the Gulf Coast and Suwannee River are strongly recommended to evacuate to a safe location out of the storm surge area.

Citizens that live in a storm surge area should take immediate precautions to protect themselves and their families.  When sustained wind speeds reach 40 mph emergency responders are unable to assist.  This means if you are calling 911, we will NOT be able to respond until the winds subside. Flooded roadways may be impassable and high winds may prohibit emergency vehicles from accessing the area.  

Shelters:
All shelters will open at 1pm today and are located at:

  •   Old Williston High School Cafeteria located at 427 West Noble Avenue on US Hwy 27 in Williston
  •   Bronson Elementary at 400 Ishie Avenue
  •   Chiefland Elementary at 1205 NW 4th Avenue. 


Pets will not be accepted at the shelter.  If you are unable to make alternate arrangements for your pets, you may board them at the Levy County Animal Services building at 12055 NE 68th Lane in Bronson until the storm passes.  Pet owners will be required to bring their own crates and food for their pets.  Pets will not be accepted without proof of current rabies vaccination.

For more information and rumor control you can contact the Levy County Department of Emergency Management at 352-486-5576 or 352-486-5155.

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Lt. Scott Tummond
Public Information
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111
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