RIDGE MANOR, Fla. — With flooding of the Withlacoochee River expected from recent storm impacts, Hernando County officials opened a sandbag station in Ridge Manor so residents can prepare themselves.
A limited supply of sand and sandbags will be at the Ridge Manor Community Center, located at 3420 Cortez Blvd., beginning this Friday, Sept. 13, through Monday, Sept. 16, the agency said in a news release.
Forecasters say the river is expected to rise to a minor flood stage over the weekend, according to county officials. Currently, Withlacoochee is reportedly at 11 feet and will likely rise a foot.
Here are some tips to properly fill and stack sandbags, according to Hernando County officials:
- Fill bags one-half to two-thirds of the way full
- Over-filled bags will result in a leaky sandbag wall
- Stack sandbags so that the seams between the bags are staggered
- Tuck the top of each bag under to ensure that that bag is sealed by its own weight
Those looking to get sandbags must bring their own shovels.
For the latest conditions on the Withlacoochee River, click here. Hernando County residents can also receive the latest weather alerts through AlertHernando.
