Emergency Management is monitoring the impacts of Tropical Storm Debby and continues to work with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the County Emergency Response Team (CERT), and all county fire departments to ensure timely and effective response to the impacted areas.

On Monday, June 25, the county’s Emergency Operations Center in Jasper upgraded operations to Level Two, which means extended hours for EOC employees.

Currently, the primary concern from Debby is the effects of high Suwannee River levels in the county, and ensuring the safety of residents impacted by flooding.

“Emergency Management is currently monitoring the Suwannee River on an hourly basis,” said Hamilton County Emergency Management Director Henry Land. “We are relating that information to our residents to ensure their safety.”

As Debby’s massive rainfall drenched Hamilton County earlier this week, White Springs and the eastern side of the Suwannee River was where the storm resulted in the hardest impact. Monday evening more than 200 locals were without power. Power has since been restored to the majority of those residents. Storm damage resulted in a water line break on Tuesday in White Springs, leaving many people without running water. That same water line was repaired on Wednesday.

Anyone seeking shelter in Hamilton County can contact Hamilton County Emergency Management at (386) 792-6647. Emergency Management will continue to work with county and federal partners to assess the damage from Tropical Storm Debby.