UPDATE 5:33 P.M.
It's been more than 24 hours since heavy rain flooded this neighborhood of West Tennessee Street in Southwest Tallahassee. On Emily Loop, the water continues to surround homes. Neighbors who live here tell me what it was like to survive the flood, and what they need to move forward.
Although Friday was filled with Sun and clear skies, the yards in this neighborhood are far from dried out. Muddy waters covered sidewalks, vehicles, and surrounded homes across Leon County and Southside neighborhoods for a second day.
"We didn't know it was going to be flooded like this," said Terry Bruton. He was with his mom and dad when I met them at their mobile home at Emily Loop off West Tennessee Street. In a word, the storm left him feeling, "shocking, really."
The Leon County Sheriff's Office used boats as part of their rescue operation to get those neighbors to safety Thursday. "It was a struggle, because we never expected the water to flood like that that and come out to a boat," Bruton added.
Now, Bruton and his family like many other families in Tallahassee are trying figure out next steps for recovery. Friday, I checked with the American Red Cross to see how they're helping.
Sharon Carraway explained, "this is some of worst flooding that I've ever seen being from Tallahassee. The minute the beautiful blue skies come out, many people forget but once the water starts receding, that's when the problems really start."
Their mission to help began Thursday. Now?
"We've got teams back out today doing additional damage assessment," Carraway added. "We have shelters on standby just in case. We want to be ready in case more people need a safe place to stay."
Carraway told me American Red Cross is following FEMA guidelines, and seeing what's needed in the community.
Meanwhile, Burton told me he hopes his family needs are met soon, "we're trying to reach out to Red Cross… Really shocked, I'm still thinking it could happen again but it's life though."
The Red Cross is here for you. Please call us 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) - 24 hours a day if you need help.
ORIGINAL STORY:
The American Red Cross in Tallahassee is working to help neighbors affected by Thursday's heavy rain and flooding event in the Tallahassee area.
Neighbors living along Emily Loop and Southern Bell Loop were forced out of their homes Thursday.
Friday, the Red Cross told Southwest Tallahassee neighborhood reporter, Terry Gilliam, the flooding situation is the worst they’ve seen in a while.
They said they are putting in a big effort to help move people toward recovery. The Red Cross reminded neighbors, "never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Just 6 in of fast-moving floodwater can knock you over, and 12 in can carry your vehicle away."
WATCH TERRY'S INSTAGRAM REEL ON THE EMILY LOOP SITUATION:
Leon County Emergency Management says, "citizens displaced or affected by Thursday morning's severe weather should contact the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross for additional disaster assistance. The American Red Cross can be contacted at 1-800-RED-CROS (1-800-733-2767)."
Additionally, citizens can contact 2-1-1 Big Bend for additional social services and disaster assistance. Those in need can simply dial 2-1-1 or call 850.617.6333.
