Putnam County Prepares for Tropical Storm Elsa
PALATKA, Florida, July 5, 2021 – Putnam County and its municipalities are starting preparations on Tuesday, July 6, at 8 a.m. in anticipation of the effects from Tropical Storm Elsa.
The Putnam County Board of County Commissioners signed a Local State of Emergency at an emergency called meeting at 3 p.m. this afternoon. The Putnam County emergency operation center will be moving to a Level II (partial) activation starting at 8 a.m. on Tuesday.
Sandbags will be available to citizens starting at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Citizens are advised to bring a shovel and be prepared to fill their own sandbags. Sandbags will be positioned in four locations around the county:
· Huntington Landfill: 1551 County Rd. 308, Crescent City
· East Palatka Community Park: 223 Putnam County Blvd., East Palatka
· Bardin Volunteer Fire Department: 107 Johns Rd., Palatka
· Chesser Sand Pit: 145 West Washington St., Hawthorne
The county call center will be operational 12 hours per day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Tuesday for citizens inquiries. The telephone number is 386-329-1904.
Starting overnight Tuesday, Putnam County should expect rainfall between 2-4” with up to 6” in localized areas. Those who reside in flood-prone areas should take necessary precautions. Rain bands that come across the area with contain high winds, with lulls between bands. Higher winds will be experienced along the St. Johns River, lakes, and open fields. Power outages may occur due to fallen trees.
Putnam County urges citizens to be cautious. Avoid traveling during severe weather. Take alternate routes to avoid roads known to flood, and do not attempt to drive through submerged roads. Report any down power lines and fallen trees blocking roadways. Stay safe.
With the approach of Tropical Storm Elsa, sand and bags will be available on July 6, 2021 at the corner of 11th Street and St. Johns Avenue in Palatka, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and until 3:00 p.m. Sand and bags are available on first-come, first-served, self-service basis.
City of Palatka Sanitation schedule for the week of Independence Day:
HOUSEHOLD COLLECTION: Monday and Thursday pick up will be Tuesday and Thursday.
Tuesday and Friday pick up will be Wednesday and Friday
YARD TRASH COLLECTION: There will be no yard trash pickup this week.
COMMERCIAL DUMPSTERS: There will be no change in commercial dumpster collection.
City Hall and other City offices will be open during regular business hours Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For more information on Sanitation pick up, contact Public Works at 386-329-0107.