Gulf Coast counties prepare sandbag sites for Isaias

Communities across the Gulf Coast and Florida are making sandbags available as Tropical Storm Isaias approaches, with officials warning of heavy rain and possible flooding. Hancock County, Mississippi, opened five self-service distribution sites on Oct. 7, while Leon County and Tallahassee planned to open sites on Oct. 8; Leon County’s sites will provide sand, bags and ties, with staff available to help and a limit of 15 sandbags per household. Tallahassee officials forecast 3 to 5 inches of rain over the weekend, with higher totals possible in isolated areas, and said projections may change with the storm’s track. Destin also offered residents free sand and bags ahead of the storm, which was expected to strengthen into a hurricane.