Dear Friend,

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is closely monitoring Potential Tropical Cyclone Four, formerly known as Invest 97L, which has a strong chance of becoming a tropical depression and potentially Tropical Storm Debby this weekend near Florida.

It’s time to get prepared, especially since the months of August, September, and October have significantly more hurricane activity than other month. Here are some steps to take:

  • Sign up for OCAlerts, this will provide you emergency alerts on severe weather, evacuations, and closures relevant to your area.
  • In preparation for heavy rain, Orange County will open its free self-service sandbag program at select parks. Sites will operate Saturday, Aug. 3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 4, weather permitting. Locations are:
    • Downey Park: 10107 Flowers Avenue, Orlando, FL 32825
    • Meadow Woods Rec: 1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando, FL 32824
    • Bithlo Community Park: 18501 Washington Avenue, Orlando, FL 32820
    • West Orange Rec: 309 S West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787
    • Clarcona Horse Park: 3535 Damon Road, Apopka, FL 32703
    • Find a location near you: bit.ly/3LRIrje
  • Check out Orange County’s Hurricane Preparedness Guide and ensure you are ready with supplies.

As the storm develops, we encourage you to keep an eye on local news, radio, and social media to stay informed. Remember, call 9-1-1 if you’re in life-threatening danger, and evacuate immediately if you’re instructed to do so by local authorities.

Yours in service,

Representative Anna V. Eskamani