Friday, August 28, 2015

Sandbags Stations Open For Possible Stormy Weather

LABELLE, FL. -- Tropical storm/Hurricane Erika is expected to begin effecting Hendry County around midnight on Sunday, August 30th and remain over the area for about 24 hours. Heavy rains are expected with an estimated 4-8 inches of precipitation and the possibility of up to 12 inches locally. Residents with businesses or homes areas prone to flooding are encouraged to take protective measures.

The National Hurricane Center estimates western Hendry county will have about a 25 percent chance of tropical storm winds of 39 mph and a zero percent chance of winds of 58 mph.

But even though winds will not be a factor, the Hendry Schools are closing Monday, along with Hendry county government offices.

However, expect television weather reports to exaggerate the "fear" factor for the next few days showing scenes of past hurricane damage and pictures of weather radar showing huge blogs of red. For more exact and more accurate depictions of what is actually predicted by the Hurricane Center it is recommended that the National Hurricane Center website be consulted daily to see what is really expected. In reality, it is a very remote possibility that the neighborhood in which you live will be severely affected by wind or damaging rain.

National Hurricane Center wind probability graphics showing the storm predicted track and probability of excess winds in each zone.

In an effort to assist residents in protecting their properties, Hendry County has established four self-serve sandbagging stations around the County. Beginning Friday afternoon, August 28th, residents may bring a shovel and fill sandbags to protect their property free of charge. Residents are reminded to be courteous to each other by taking only the minimum amount of sandbags needed to protect their homes and businesses.

The self-serve sandbagging stations are located at the following sites:

North LaBelle – Bob Mason Park located on County Road 78.
LaBelle – LaBelle Rodeo Grounds - Parking lot on State Road 29 South.
Felda – Felda Volunteer Fire Department – The corner of CR 830 and Willis Ranch Rd North
Montura-Flaghole – Montura- Flaghole VFD - Parking lot on Avenida Del Club.
Clewiston – City of Clewiston Public Works Yard on South Olympia Street.

These sites will not be manned by County or City employees and will operate on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last only. Please remember to bring your own shovels and someone to help lifting as filled sandbags can be heavy.

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