TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Local government agencies are opening sandbag distribution sites ahead of anticipated tropical weather in the Big Bend and South Georgia later this week.
Find locations and hours of operation in our live blog below. Watch video of what to expect with the storm later this week by clicking play above.
SEPT 24 3 P.M.
In Suwannee County there are self-serve sandbag locations at Live Oak Fire Dept and behind the Branford Fire Station.
Pre-filled bags are available at the Judicial Annex.
Limit 10 bags per family.
SEPT 24 1:10 P.M.
Lowndes County Emergency Management is providing four locations beginning at 4 pm today, Tuesday, September 24, where residents can pick up sand to help with storm preparedness. Sand and sandbags will be available at the following locations; however, residents are asked to bring their own shovels to fill the bags. Sandbags are limited to ten bags per household. Below are the four locations.
- The Fire Station on Shiloh Road, Station 6: 6031 Shiloh Road, Hahira, Georgia
- The Fire Station on Upper New Bethel Road, Station 6: 6187 Upper New Bethel Road, Valdosta, Georgia
- The Fire Station on Old Quitman Hwy: 3979 Old Quitman Highway Valdosta, GA
- The old Fire Station location in Clyattville: 5000 Cedar Drive Valdosta, GA
Sandbags are available while supplies last and at local retailers based on supply. Stay safe! Stay tuned to the EMA Lowndes social media channels and website for further updates on weather conditions and emergency services.
SEPT 24 1 P.M.
The city of Valdosta said in anticipation of the predicted storm, free sand and sandbags are available at three locations to help residents prepare. Sandbags are limited to 10 per family, and residents are asked to bring their own shovels.
- 5 Points
- Intersection of Lee Street and Savannah Street
- City Lot on 1025 W Hill Avenue
Utilize these resources to help protect your home from possible flooding. For more information, contact Public Works at (229) 259-3588.
Stay updated on weather and emergency services through our social media and website!
SEPT 24 8:44 A.M.
Thomas County Public Works is allowing Thomas County citizens to get sand bags. There is a limit of 10 bags per household.
Sand and bags will be available at our eight consolidated collection sites. You will be required to fill your own bags with sand, shovels provided. Site addresses are:
Woodruff Farm Site
1433 Woodruff Farm Road
Thomasville, GA 31757
Boston Site
320 Legion Road
Boston, GA 31626
Dillon Site
4265 Dillon Road
Thomasville, GA 31757
188/202 Site
10100 Hwy 188/202
Ochlocknee, GA 31773
Riverwood Site
130 Boat Ramp Road
Thomasville, GA 31792
Hansell Site
27 Hansell Road
Meigs, GA 31765
Stewart Site
142 Stewart Road
Thomasville, GA 31792
Patten Coolidge Site
365 Patten Coolidge Road
Thomasville, GA 31757
This link will take you to our Solid Waste website for directions.
https://thomascountyboc.org/sanitation-and-solid-waste
SEPT 23 5:55 P.M.
Sandbags will be available for Lafayette County residents starting at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday September 24th. They are located behind the Mayo Community Center. It is a self fill station. 25 bags per household. Gates will close at 6:00 p.m. If you cannot make these times please contact 386-294-1950 138 SW Community Circle Mayo, FL.
SEPT 23 3:36 P.M.
In Jefferson County:
Sand and bags are available at the below locations from 8am-6pm until further notice:
- Jefferson County Fire Rescue @ 57 Martin Road
- Wacissa Volunteer Fire Station @ 14496 Waukeenah Hwy
- Lloyd Volunteer Fire Station @ 8747 Old Lloyd Road
- Ashville Volunteer Fire Station @ 10108 Ashville Hwy
Bring your own shovel! If there are no bags, please call Emergency Management and some will be delivered ASAP.
Limit of 15 bags allowed per household. Thank you!
SEPT 23 3:10 P.M.
Taylor County Sheriff’s Office - Division of Emergency Management wrote on Facebook:
Sandbag distribution centers are now open and operational.
Two locations:
- Perry Road Department: 7am-5:30 p.m.
- Steinhatchee Roll off site : 7am-5:30 p.m.
There is a 15-bag limit. These are self-serve sites.
SEPT 23 12:40 P.M.
Fill your own sandbags are available at the Madison County Emergency Operations Center located at 1083 SW Harvey Greene Drive.
SEPT 23 12:20 P.M.
Wakulla County Sheriff's Office wrote on Facebook, "A lot is yet to be determined with this storm however it is almost a certainty that Wakulla County will experience a significant rain event at a minimum.
As such beginning tomorrow (Tuesday) morning at 8:00 a.m. WCSO will have sandbags available. Limit 10 per car.
The time to prepare for any potential storm is now as it appears this is going to be a fast moving storm with impacts likely to be felt late Wednesday into Thursday.
SEPT 23 11:10 A.M.
Gadsden County Emergency Management is closely monitoring the expected severe weather conditions in the county's area.
The Gadsden County Department of Emergency Management and the Gadsden County Department of Public Works have made sandbag operations available for residents from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Sandbags will be available today to the public at the following locations:
Public Works will open sandbag locations on Tuesday, September 24, and Wednesday, September 25, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the following locations below.
- Eugene Lamb Park -258 Lakeview Dr. Havana
- Post Plant Pit off Post Plant Road. (St. Hebron area)
- Sawdust Park- 3355 Providence Road. (Sawdust area)
- Clark Pitt off Edwin Clark Road. (Greensboro area)
- Rosedale Park -166 Charity Davis Circle (Bonnie Hill area)
Sandbags are limited to 15 bags per household. Citizens need to bring shovels to fill bags themselves. Locations will not be staffed; crews will monitor and provide additional sand and bags as needed. The site will be open until the storm threat has passed and it is determined there is no longer a need.
Property owners who have experienced flooding problems can use sandbags to help protect stormwater from entering their property.
Gadsden County Emergency Management advises that residents monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take the necessary precautions to protect life and property. Drivers should use caution and adhere to any official signage.
The National Weather Service also warns that residents should not drive cars through flooded areas, turn around, and find another route if they see floodwaters. Residents are also encouraged not to attempt to walk through floodwaters. The most current road conditions and updates on road closures can be found on the Gadsden County website at [linkprotect.cudasvc.com]www.gadsdencountyfl.gov [linkprotect.cudasvc.com].
Floodwater should be considered contaminated. Do not allow children to play in, wade through, or swim in floodwater.
Residents requiring more information or assistance should call Gadsden County Emergency Management at (850) 875-8833 or (850) 627-0899. Additionally, residents can sign up for emergency text alerts at Text AlertGadsden to 888777 for accurate and up-to-date weather and emergency alerts.
SEPT 23 8:10 A.M.
The City of Tallahassee is closely monitoring the potential tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico. According to the National Weather Service, the chance of a system forming over the next seven days is 90 percent, and possible precipitation amounts in north Florida are currently forecasted to be between 7-10 inches, with impacts beginning as early as Wednesday, Sept. 25. Uncertainty remains around the exact location or magnitude of impacts, which could include downed trees, power outages and localized flooding.
City departments are prepared to respond as needed, and residents are encouraged to prepare. To assist citizens in flood-prone areas, the City will open three sandbag locations by noon today, Monday, Sept. 23. Sandbag sites are available at:
- Jack McLean Community Center, 700 Paul Russell Road
- Mike Blankenship Skate Park, 2909 Jackson Bluff Road
- Northwood parcel, 1940 N. Monroe Street, near El Jalisco
Sandbags are limited to 25 bags per household. Sites are self-service, so citizens need to bring shovels to fill bags themselves. Locations will be staffed from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. to replenish sand and bags as needed. The site will be open until the storm threat has passed and it is determined there is no longer a need.
SEPT 22 5:15 P.M.
Leon County continues to closely monitor the tropical weather system in the Caribbean and remains in coordination with the National Weather Service.
According to the National Hurricane Center, a tropical storm is likely to develop in the coming days as a disturbance in the northwest Caribbean and southern Gulf of Mexico intensifies. Forecast models suggest the storm could make landfall along the Gulf Coast later this week, potentially affecting areas from Florida to Louisiana. While the exact path and intensity remain uncertain, heavy rainfall and gusty conditions are expected in Leon County by the end of the week.
In anticipation of potential heavy rainfall, Leon County will open five sandbag locations for residents.
Starting Monday, September 23, at noon, sandbags will be available at the following locations:
- Leon County’s Northeast Branch Library, 5513 Thomasville Road
- Apalachee Regional Park (Solid Waste Management Facility), 7550 Apalachee Parkway
- Fred George Park, 3043 Capital Circle NW
- Intersection of Oak Ridge Road and Ranchero Road
- Fort Braden Community Park, 15000 Blountstown Hwy
Leon County will staff these sites from dawn to dusk to assist residents in quickly filling sandbags. Sand, bags, and ties will be available for public use. Residents are asked to limit their sandbags to 15 per household to ensure availability for others.
Leon County has several critical resources to help residents stay informed and prepared:
- Visit LeonReady.com [leoncountyfl.us20.list-manage.com] for disaster resilience resources, including the 2024-25 Disaster Survival Guide.
- Sign up for Leon Alerts [leoncountyfl.us20.list-manage.com] to receive time-sensitive emergency messages related to severe weather, evacuations, and other incidents.
- Download the Citizens Connect App [leoncountyfl.us20.list-manage.com] for emergency news and alerts, available in the Apple or Google Play stores.
Leon County also advises:
- Do not drive through flooded areas. If you encounter floodwaters, turn around and find an alternate route.
- Avoid walking through floodwaters, which should be considered contaminated. Ensure children do not play in, wade through, or swim in floodwaters.
For critical emergency information, visit the Leon County Emergency Information Portal [leoncountyfl.us20.list-manage.com].
For updates on City of Tallahassee operations, visit Talgov.com [leoncountyfl.us20.list-manage.com].
For more information, contact Leon County Community and Media Relations at CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
