Water lower in Caryville, river still rising in Bruce

Washington County Commissioner Donnie Ray Strickland reports that water is going down in Caryville. As of 8 a.m. water was away from the store on US 90 and the post office, and the water on County 279 was much lower. Water at the Caryville prison work camp is much lower.

The Choctawhatchee River has crested and is begining to drop, but more rain is expected during the week.

The river is expected to rise to 19.45 feet at Bruce just south of Ebro by 1 a.m. Wednesday according to the National Weather Service. It is expected to crest at 21.6 feet by Friday afternoon. Flood state at Bruce is 13 feet and major flood stage is 16.5 feet. This will affect the Ebro area and residents in low-lying areas are urged to take precautions.

Red Cross Is Urging Residents In Flood Prone Areas To Make Preparations Now

Panama City, FL - The Central Panhandle Chapter of the American Red Cross is urging residents in areas susceptible to flooding to prepare to move to higher ground.  As area rivers continue to rise and heavy rains move into our area again tomorrow, it is now more important than ever that everyone take stock of their situation and prepare to move themselves and their loved ones to safety.   Stay tuned to local media for announcements from Emergency Management in your county. 

If you plan to evacuate there are some things you should remember:

1)  Be sure if you can to turn off your gas and electricity
2)  Make sure to secure items in your yard that may float away
3)  Be sure to make plans for the safety of your pets
4)  Move all of your vehicles to higher ground with you
5)  Make sure your evacuation supplies include important papers and contact information
6)  Make sure you pack your important medications
7)  Make sure to let family and friends know where you are going
8)  Be prepared to be away from your home until flood waters recede and it is safe to return

The Central Panhandle Chapter of the American Red Cross is not a government agency and receives no government funding.  Assistance to local disaster victims is made possible by local contributions.  If you would like to help local disaster victims please call the Red Cross at 850-763-6587 or go to http://www.redcrosscpc.org

Red Cross Shelter To Open At 2808 Yellow Jacket Drive Vernon FL

Panama City, FL - The Red Cross will open a shelter at the old high school in Vernon, FL.  The shelter will open to the public at 10am on Wednesday April 1.  Residents who need to escape rising flood waters are urged to seek safety in the shelter before travel becomes too dangerous.  Those seeking shelter should remember to bring the following items:

1)  Identification
2)  Medications
3)  Personal Hygiene Items
4)  Sleeping Bag/Blankets etc.
5)  Important Papers/Contact Lists
6)  Patience!

A Red Cross shelter is open in New Hope in Holmes County at the intersection of State 2 and County Road 179A at the fire house.

Holmes County update

Brackin Road in District 2 and Otis Lane in District 2 are now open

Washington County update

From Lynne Jordan of Washington County EMA

"Rain beginning around 12 midnight and continuing through the day tomorrow.  We seem to be in a progressive pattern with our systems now.  They are moving through more quickly.  Tomorrows rain totals are expected to be 2 – 4 inches widespread with an isolated 5 – 6 inches.  Some of the showers tomorrow evening could be severe with the possibility of strong winds and hail.  This information provided by the NWS in Tallahassee at 10:30 AM Wednesday.

"Based on additional rains being forecast for our area over the next few days, a flood warning continues for the Choctawhatchee River at Caryville. Moderate flooding is occurring and expected to continue as a slow fall is forecast. Major flooding is anticipated to continue in Ebro with a forecast crest of 21.6 feet on Friday. Flood Stage at Ebro is 13 feet.

The Post Office in Caryville remains closed until further notice. Residents with post offices boxes in Caryville can collect their mail, with proper identification, at the Post Office in Bonifay.

The Red Cross is opening a shelter this morning at 10AM at the Vernon Community Center located at 2808 Yellow Jacket Drive Bldg. 4. Questions about the shelter can be directed to the Washington County Emergency Management Office.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Board of County Commissioners and the Emergency Management Staff strongly urge all residents along the Choctawhatchee River to take necessary protective measures. It is of utmost importance that action be taken to protect life and property.

Anyone receiving damage to their home due to the extensive rains and flooding is asked to report that information to the Washington County Emergency Management Office at 850-638-6203.