Release:

On behalf of Lowndes County Emergency Management Director, Ashley Tye, please find the following regarding the forecast for Tropical Storm Elsa.

“The latest briefing information from the Tallahassee Division of the National Weather Service indicates that Lowndes County is currently under a Tropical Storm Watch meaning Tropical Storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. As of right now, Lowndes County will likely begin to see the affects from Elsa as early as Wednesday morning and experience Tropical Storm force winds on Wednesday. Lowndes County is expected to receive heavy rainfall as Elsa moves through. We could see minor flash flooding in low lying and flood prone areas as well as local rivers get close to, or even reach, Minor Flood Stage. Depending on the timing and severity of rain, motorists may encounter water standing on roads, streets, or bridges, as storm water systems across the community manage runoff.  As little as six inches of water can stall a vehicle or cause the driver to lose control.  Please do not attempt to drive through standing water or flash flood conditions. 

Tropical Storm Force Winds are expected Wednesday, around 35-45 mph, and capable of producing damage from downed trees and flying debris. Citizens are asked to prepare by securing any loose items that could be tossed around and do damage during a storm such as outdoor furniture, trampolines, pet kennels, loose tree limbs, etc.

In summary:

• Primary Impact is expected to be heavy rain for Lowndes County. Lowndes County is expected to receive 2-4 inches but could increase to 3-5 inches with isolated amounts of 6 inches possible in some areas as the storm grows closer.
• Flash Flooding in low lying and flood prone areas is possible during heavy rains.
• Tropical Storm force winds are expected Wednesday beginning as early as 8AM and lasting for 12-18 hours – highest gusts anticipated are around 35-45 mph, capable of producing damage from downed trees and flying debris.
• Impacts likely to begin in Lowndes County on Wednesday morning.

Hurricane Season runs through November 30, 2021.  Citizens are encouraged to sign up for CodeRed, Lowndes County’s free emergency notification system, by visiting www.lowndescounty.com and clicking on the CodeRed icon.  Lowndes County Emergency Management uses CodeRed to release specific information to citizens during emergencies to include weather events.  Further, users have the option of receiving weather warnings directly from the National Weather Service as soon as they are issued.”