For immediate release - September 6, 2005

Lake County is monitoring Atlantic Ocean storm activity

TAVARES — Officials from the Lake County Department of Public Safety, Emergency Management Division are actively monitoring Tropical Depression 16.

According to weather forecasts from the National Hurricane Center, the tropical depression, located about 180 miles southeast of Cape Canaveral, is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm by Wednesday, Sept. 7.

“Lake County may receive isolated spots of heavy rainfall due to the storm,” said Jerry Smith, Director of the Lake County Emergency Management Division.

Currently stationary, the storm is predicted to take a north-northwest track from its current location. However, due to the uncertainty of the storm’s movement, Lake County officials are advising residents further storm preparations may be announced once the storm’s forecasts are refined.

Sandbags will be available from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginning Wednesday, Sept. 7, at the Department of Public Works three maintenance facilities located at:

• Maintenance Area I, 2310 W. Griffin Road, Leesburg
• Maintenance Area II, 609 Disston Ave., Minneola
• Maintenance Area III, 19720 E. Fifth St., Umatilla

Sandbags are limited to 25 per household. For more information about sandbag distribution, call the Lake County Department of Public Works at (352) 253-4980.

Residents are always encouraged to be prepared during hurricane season by updating their family’s disaster plan and restocking their family disaster kit. For more information about hurricane preparedness, call the Lake County Emergency Management Division at (352) 343-9420 or view the online Hurricane Preparedness Web Guide.

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Contact information:
Christopher Patton
Communications Coordinator
Office: (352) 343-9609; Cell: (352) 455-0445
cpatton@co.lake.fl.us