Wakulla Under Mandatory Evacuation due to expected impacts from Hurricane Helene

9/25 Update on #Helene. Overall no significant changes in track, it did shift very slightly west this morning however nothing significant to the overall track. the storm has strengthened overnight and rapid intensification is likely ahead. Hurricane warnings have been extended further inland. We'll detail the threats/impacts below.

Surge/Wind: Damage will likely be significant, and folks should continue to prepare for a major hurricane and the potential of 10-15 feet of storm surge inundation along the coast. The fast motion of Helene will bring wind concerns much further inland than usual for a tropical system. A reasonable worst-case scenario for our county (meaning not predicted currently but certainly within the realm of possibilities) depending on the exact strength and path of the storm could add 5 feet to the current storm surge prediction. The storm surge scenarios currently predicted or possible are going to create life-threatening situations for those in those areas. Citizens are encouraged to heed the mandatory evacuation order and seek shelter outside of Wakulla County.

The current projected path and intensity of this storm is very concerning for Wakulla County. The time to plan and evacuate is now. This storm will create a life-threatening situation in many parts of our county.

The Board of County Commissioners has issued a mandatory evacuation for all of Wakulla County no later than 8:00 am on Thursday 9/26/24. Based off of the current forecast information Wakulla County Emergency Management is anticipating our county being impacted in some way by a major hurricane (category 3 or higher). Citizens need to be working on their evacuation plans and making the necessary preparations around their homes to limit the possibility of flying debris.

No shelters will be opened in Wakulla County. There are shelters available in Leon County, however due to the fact that Leon County is likely to be severely impacted as well, if you have the ability to evacuate outside of the Big Bend region of the state it is suggested you do so. Leon County shelters should be considered shelters of last resort. For more information on Leon County shelters, you can visit: https://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/.../Emerg.../Shelters-Locations

The time to prepare is now, as conditions will likely begin to deteriorate as early as this afternoon. Now is the time to form an evacuation plan, make sure items in your yard is picked up and put away, and finish up getting supplies. For more information regarding flood and evacuation zones you can click the following link:

https://www.mywakulla.com/.../plann.../flood_information.php