FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Flagler County officials on Monday revised sandbag operations as Hurricane Ian tracks toward Florida.
Officials said Monday morning that the storm will bring plenty of rain and a high likelihood of flooding in some areas. Emergency management said the greatest risk for flooding is along the coast and A1A but warned that people who live further inland could see flooding as well.
Emergency Management Director Jonathan said there will be coastal flooding along the beaches and A1A, but further inland older drainage systems could back up from 10 to 15 inches of rainfall in two days. In addition, Crescent Lake could also lead to flooding by way of the St. Johns River.
Sand and bags will be available at the following locations on Monday:
- Flagler Technical College — 5633 N. Oceanshore Blvd., The Hammock — from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Fire Station 71 — 89 County Road 2006 West, Bunnell — from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Palm Coast Public Works Yard — 1 Wellfield Grade, off U.S. 1 and just north of Palm Coast Parkway, Palm Coast — starting at 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or until sand runs out
- Daytona State College — 3000 Palm Coast Parkway SE, Palm Coast — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or until sand runs out
- Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church — 915 N. Central Ave., Flagler Beach — 2 to 6 p.m. for Flagler Beach and Beverly Beach residents only
Residents are limited to 10 sandbags per household.
“Between volunteers and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office work crews, there is manpower to help our residents,” said Lord. “We are doing our best to help those who need it.”
Sandbags were also distributed to Flagler County residents Sunday afternoon at two locations.
“Mostly, we were just grabbing bags for our mother-in-law because that rain will come in. Even just on a heavy day, we get two inches. With a hurricane, they’ll dump four or six -- I don’t know how much -- and if it just sits then that’s the problem,” Matt Randolph, Flager County resident said.
News4JAX spoke to Angie Enyedi, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Jacksonville, who said it’s important for people to evaluate their own personal risks.
“Are you in a flood-prone area? Do you usually pass over roads that normally flood and have heavy rainfall?,” Enyedi said “It doesn’t look like at this point that Palm Coast could be hit any worse than Jacksonville. So, the messaging for us right now is that the same heavy rainfall threat, dangerous coastal and marine condition, as well as watching for that potential tropical storm force winds, especially mid to late week.”
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In addition to sandbag preparations, officials also recommend residents have seven days’ worth of supplies such as food, water and medication. Be sure to test flashlights and radio and replace outdated batteries.
The News4JAX 2022 Hurricane Survival Guide includes a printable checklist for your supply kit (Page 17).