Tropical Storm, Faye

As I'm sure everyone has heard; there is a tropical storm coming toward Sanibel Island during the wee hours of August 19, tomorrow. The preparations here have been made; hurricane shutters all up, all outdoor items placed inside, vehicles filled with gas,grocery and water supply. Only thing left to do is go get a couple cans of gas to run a generator, if it's needed.

The city of Sanibel ordered a mandatory evacuation for everyone living in mobile homes in Periwinkle Park. I have one friend that is living there and she is going to stay with another friend on the island.

They have just given another order for mandatory evacuation for all tourists on the island that are staying in condos, resorts, hotels, and mobile homes.


I have a few things put together and laying in wait, just in case there is an evacuation for residents later. But so far the plan is to stay here.

Here is a report sent out by the city of Sanibel this afternoon:

Sanibel, Florida - August 18, 2008

News Release - For Immediate Release

August 18, 2008, 2:50 p.m.

City of Sanibel, FL

Contact: Police Chief William Tomlinson (239) 472-3111

Tropical Storm Fay - Advisory #12

Updated Forecast - Shelter Information

Based upon the current forecast, Sanibel Chief of Police Bill Tomlinson strongly advises that no person plan to "ride-out" the event on-island in a structure which cannot sustain Hurricane strength winds or the forecasted storm surge.

Storm surge and tornadic activity are often the deadliest aspects of a Tropical Storm or Hurricane on a barrier Island SUCH AS SANIBEL.

UPDATED FORECAST

Currently, Tropical Storm Fay is 150 miles south of Sanibel, moving toward the north/northwest at 14 mph. Forecasters predict a turn toward the north with a slower forward speed expected today and tonight. Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles.

The Sanibel forecast as of 2:01 p.m. is as follows:
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Increasing showers. Conditions are favorable for isolated tornadoes. Winds east to northeast 10 to 20 mph with higher gusts.

6:00 p.m. - midnight
Heavy rain at times. Conditions are favorable for tornadoes. East to southeast winds 30 to 50 mph with Hurricane gusts to 75 mph.

Midnight to 6:00 a.m.
Rain tapering off. Conditions are favorable for isolated tornadoes. Winds south to west 20 to 40 mph and decreasing.

EVACUATION SHELTERS
The closest evacuation shelter available to Sanibel residents will be South Fort Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Road, Fort Myers. This is also the designated pet shelter for Lee County. Directions to the shelter are at the end of this release.

Residents should bring:
Prescription medications
Identification for re-entry
Copies of personal insurance documents
Property and financial records
Secure property prior to evacuating.

Per Lee County Emergency Operations Center, the Special Needs Evacuation Shelter is open at Harborside Special Events Center,1375 Monroe Street, Fort Myers.
Three other evacuation shelters available will be:
Estero Community Center
Island Coast High School, 2125 De Navarra Pkwy., Cape Coral
Dunbar High School, 3800 Edison Ave., Fort Myers

CITY CLOSINGS
Based upon current storm track forecasts, the City of Sanibel announces the following closings and cancellations:

Lee County Public Schools will be closed Tuesday, August 19th.
Garbage and recycling collections are cancelled for Tuesday, August 19th, to resume on a holiday schedule on Wednesday.
Sanibel City Council meeting for Tuesday, August 19th has been cancelled.
All City of Sanibel non-essential offices will close at noon today and remain closed on Tuesday, including the Recreation Center and Senior Center
The City of Sanibel's After School Program will remain open until 5:30 pm today.
City of Sanibel Administrative Offices, 800 Dunlop Road (239) 472- 3700, are currently open for storm preparation.

The Sanibel Police Department, 800 Dunlop Road, is open today until 5:00 pm for Hurricane Pass distribution.
City updates are available on the City of Sanibel website at www.mysanibel.com or the City's Hurricane Hotline at 1 (800) 933-6093.