Bay County officials watching Hurricane Ian as it enters Gulf

Ebonee Burrell, The News Herald
·2 min read

BAY COUNTY — Bay County officials are keeping their eye on Hurricane Ian and urging Bay County residents to do so as well.

As of Monday afternoon, Hurricane Ian's path was projected to impact Florida's central western region, which is located just east of Bay County. Forecasters project Hurricane Ian to make landfall later this week but the path could change.

More: Tropical Storm Ian expected to become a hurricane by Monday; much of FL Gulf Coast under threat

More: Need to prepare for a hurricane? Here's what you should have in a disaster supply kit.

"While this is favorable news for (Bay County), we urge everyone to keep their guards up. There's still a lot of uncertainty about the storm," said Bay County Fire and Emergency Services Chief Brad Monroe. "Hopefully, it will not be a major source of problems for us, but we should be preparing for the worst and prepping for the best."

While Bay County was not under a storm watch or warning for Hurricane Ian as of Monday, officials said residents should prepare for significant rainfall. Sheriff Tommy Ford advised residents to remain diligent and prepare to evacuate or get supplies should Hurricane Ian pose a threat to Bay County.

"I understand the stress that we're going through right now, especially after Hurricane Michael," Ford said. "However, we're still in the cone of possibilities, having been through this before we know what we need to do to prepare, and it's critically important that our residents stay informed."

In an event where the county is not affected by the storm, state Sen.-elect Jay Trumbull said the community should prepare to extend their hand to those affected counties.

"We should be willing to help after the storm passes," Trumbull said. "I ask that our community remembers how those surrounding counties reached out to us after Hurricane Michael. I know the state is prepared and is going to make sure we have everything necessary in keeping us safe."

Storm preparations have been implemented throughout the county since late last week. According to county officials, evacuations are not planned at this time, but residents will be notified through AlertBay.org.

Sandbags will be available at five locations starting Tuesday, but residents will need to provide their own bags and shovel. Locations include:

  • Lynn Haven Sports Complex, 2201 Recreation Drive

  • Callaway Public Works Building, 324 S. Berthe Ave.

  • Mexico Beach City Hall, 114 22nd St.

  • Bay County Deer Point Dam, 4523 State 77

  • Panama City Beach, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Hurricane Ian: Bay County Panama City officials watch as it enters Gulf