TROPICAL STORM ISAAC UPDATE #8

Press Release – For Immediate Release
August 26, 2012
City of Sanibel, FL
Contact: Police Chief William Tomlinson, (239) 472-3111

TROPICAL STORM ISAAC UPDATE #8

· NO Evacuation for Sanibel
· Motorist Advisory
· City Hall, Recreation Center & Center-4-Life Closed

Based upon the current forecast and projected storm surge, Sanibel is NOT under an evacuation order.

A tropical storm watch is still in effect for Sanibel. A tropical storm watch means that sustained winds in excess of 39 mph are likely to be in our area within 48 hours. Tornado’s and water spouts are activity is likely to occur with this storm.

Isaac currently has sustained winds of 65 mph, however it hasn't become very well organized due to the interaction with Cuba.

Based upon the current forecast and available data, there is a 70% chance of a storm surge at or exceeding 2 feet and a 20% chance for a storm surge at or exceeding 5 feet for Sanibel.

Isaac will likely pass 100 to 150 miles to our southwest. Tropical Storm Force winds are likely for our area. There is a 48% chance for tropical storm force sustained winds in excess of 39mph and 3% chance for hurricane force winds in excess of 74mph for Sanibel.

Isaac will arrive in the Florida Keys by this evening and enter the Gulf of Mexico after midnight.

The weather forecast for this morning is that rain showers are possible with NE winds of 20mph gusting to 30mph. This afternoon will bring scattered showers with NE winds of 25mph gusting to 35mph.

The City of Sanibel advises all residents to complete preparation as a precaution for your family's safety and protection of property. Motorists are urged to refrain from being on the road during tropical storm winds. Motorists should be alert for standing water and flying debris during tropical storm conditions.

CITY HALL IMPORTANT NEWS & CLOSINGS

Based on the current forecast for Tropical Storm Isaac, the following municipal closings are in effect:

• Sanibel Recreation Center and the Center-4-Life will be CLOSED on SUNDAY, AUGUST 26th, 2012
• ALL City Hall Offices, including the Sanibel Recreation Center and Center-4-Life, WILL BE CLOSED on Monday, August 27th, with the exception of Public Safety and First Responders.

LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS - The Lee County School District has announced that all Schools will be CLOSED on Monday, August 27th, 2012. For more information, please click here to monitor the Lee County School District's website.

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Will be CLOSED beginning today, August 25th through Tuesday, August 28th. The Refuge will reopen on Wednesday, August 29th.

ILLEGAL SOLICITORS - The Sanibel Police Department has advised they have responded to several complaints regarding illegal door to door solicitors on Sanibel today. The Sanibel Police Department is requesting citizens to contact them immediately at (239) 472-3111, if someone you do not know approaches your door without proper identification and for the purpose of soliciting goods or services.

SAND BAGS are now available at the Sanibel Fire District, Station #1, located at 2351 Palm Ridge Road. Please be prepared to fill and haul your own sandbags.

The City of Sanibel advises all residents to complete preparation as a precaution for your family's safety and protection of property. Now is the time to confirm that your family disaster plan is ready, hurricane shutters are installed and you have a plan for evacuation if the need arises. Check your hurricane supplies and make sure you have adequate prescriptions. Also make sure you have a plan for your pets.

Please continue to monitor Tropical Storm Isaac. The City of Sanibel Website www.mysanibel.com will keep you updated as we receive further information on Tropical Storm Isaac as it becomes available. You can also check for updates on the City's Hurricane Hotline at 800-933-6093.

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