From the Office of Mayor Rick Bell:
STORM PREPARATIONS AND SANDBAG DISTRIBUTION
City of Lebanon leaders met this morning in preparation for the potential weather impact from Tropical Storm Ida. The latest weather update from the National Weather Service outlines what may be expected:
- Remnants of Ida will impact the mid-state beginning tonight (6pm) through early Wednesday
- Heavy rain of 2 to 5 inches is in the forecast for most of the mid-state, with isolated higher amounts up to around 6 inches possible.
- Localized flooding will be possible, along with gusty winds
- Strong/severe storms also possible, with damaging winds and isolated tornadoes tonight, but will be highly dependent on Ida’s track
Current models show that the storm may pick up speed as it travels north, which would help minimize the potential for flooding in our area. However, in an effort to be prepared, City of Lebanon crews will be loading sandbags for distribution beginning at 2:00 pm this afternoon until 9:00 pm this evening. Business owners and home owners that live in potential flood plains can pick up sandbags from 2 locations:
- Lebanon Fire Department Station One, 209 E. Gay St., just off the town square.
- Cedar Crest Shopping Center (Big Lots/DT McCalls) parking lot, 1031 W. Main St.
A limit of 20 bags per property is allowed. Keep sandbags dry until needed, utilizing plastic in conjunction with the bags add to their effectiveness. Sandbags are not reusable and should be disposed of after use.
Crews will be monitoring sites and clearing areas throughout the event.
Please stay weather alert throughout this event. We will update information as it becomes available.
You can also get updates on our Live Google Doc, http://www.lebanonpd.org/sitrep
Remember, do not drive or walk through flood waters, “turn around, don’t drown”.