TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — With Tropical Storm Isaias expected to strengthen overnight and become a hurricane, the City of Tallahassee is preparing for possible heavy rain and flooding and will open three sandbag locations Thursday, Oct. 8.

The U.S. National Weather Service in Tallahassee said the storm is anticipated to strengthen overnight. Current models indicate the system could make landfall west of the Big Bend region, with outer bands bringing heavy rainfall into Tallahassee. Impacts could begin as early as Friday, Oct. 9, and potentially last through the weekend. Officials said uncertainty remains about the exact location, duration or magnitude of impacts, which could include localized flooding, downed trees and power outages.

To help residents in flood-prone areas, the city will open three self-service sandbag sites by 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 8:

– Jack McLean Community Center, 700 Paul Russell Road

– Mike Blankenship Skate Park, 2909 Jackson Bluff Road (next to James Messer Park North)

– Northwood parcel, 1940 N. Monroe St. (near the intersection of N. Monroe Street and N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. / E. Bradford Road)

Sandbags are limited to 25 bags per household. Residents must bring shovels to fill bags themselves. The locations will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to replenish sand and bags as needed, and will remain open until the storm threat has passed and officials determine there is no longer a need.

City crews are checking areas known for flooding to remove obstructions and will post warnings for drivers as needed. Motorists are urged to use caution if roads are impacted and not drive through flooded areas or around barricades.

Electric Utility crews are ready to be deployed, with extra staffing on standby as needed. If outages occur, customers can report them through the city’s free DigiTally app or online at https://bit.ly/4AVgWx8. City utility customers can also call 850-891-4968 to report power outages, though wait times are expected to be longer during major events. The DigiTally app and the customer service phone line can also be used to report other city service issues.

Residents are encouraged to prepare now. The city’s Step-by-Step PREP Guide, which includes a disaster supplies checklist, tips on hardening a home and information about vital city services, is available at https://bit.ly/4AZWtYq. Information on Leon County preparations and operations is available at https://bit.ly/3TNOLzz.

Residents can sign up for city news alerts by email and text at https://bit.ly/4hyqsyT, follow @CityofTLH on Facebook and X, and check https://bit.ly/4hzswqj for updates.