By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

The Wakulla County Commission ordered a countywide mandatory evacuation ahead of landfall of Tropical Storm Helene, which is projected to be a Category 3 hurricane with storm surge estimated to be 10 to 15 feet.

Wakulla Emergency Management Director Jennifer Nagy told commissioners at an emergency meeting on Tuesday that, south of U.S. Highway 98, a storm surge of 15 feet is “not survivable.”
Commissioners voted 4-0 to order the evacuation. It was requested that people leave the area by 8 a.m. on Thursday when the tropical storm winds are expected to hit the area.
Nagy said the most likely time for the hurricane’s arrival is Thursday afternoon.
Superintendent-elect Rick Myhre said schools and district office will be closed for the rest of the week, and all school activities are canceled.
County Administrator David Edwards said county offices will begin closing at noon on Wednesday and will be closed Thursday and Friday.
Talquin Electric is expected to pull power meters on Wednesday afternoon for homes south of 98, Edwards said. He also noted that the county will shut down the sewer system in Panacea and Ochlockonee Bay.
The storm surge was the biggest danger Nagy presented, but she warned of projected winds of 111-115 mph with a Category 3. 
Nagy said it’s not really expected to be a rain event, with 4 inches of rain expected.
But if the surge is as high as projected, at 15 feet, coastal communities would be inundated, with water up Woodville Highway to Commerce Boulevard – where the state prison is located.
Commissioner Ralph Thomas noted that the surge with Hurricane Michael was 10 feet in Panacea, with 2 feet of water inside Posey’s. At 15 feet, that’s up to the ceiling, he said.
And it’s not just the coastline, Nagy warned: the surge will come up rivers and creeks.
Of the evacuation order, Commissioner Fred Nichols noted that Gulf and Franklin counites have already ordered evacuation and said the traffic is “already bumper-to-bumper going north.”
Because of the likelihood of a Category 3 storm, the local shelters will not open.
Those who decide to stay were warned that First Responders cannot answer calls once water starts rising and winds are above 35 mph.