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Highlands Today

Highlands: Up to 10 Inches Forecast

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By Douglas  Carman | Highlands Today

Published: August 19, 2008

SEBRING - As Tropical Storm Fay tracks further to the east, the National Weather Service predicted 11:15 a.m. Tuesday that six to 10 inches of rain could be dumped on the county before Fay leaves the area, with even more in some spots.

The gauge at the Highlands County Emergency Operations Center south of Sebring measured 2.87 inches of rain fell since the storm's outer bands reached the county.

Winds were not as high as originally predicted, with sustained winds reaching up to 35 mph and maximum gusts reaching 47 mph in Sebring.

The Avon Park Recreation Center closed earlier today after its only occupant left. Lake Placid High School continued to harbor two residents, and the special needs shelter at the Highlands County Agri-Civic Center filled 15 beds by late Tuesday morning. Woodlawn Elementary, however, saw 35 people staying in the cafeteria.

Emergency Management Director Bill Nichols was surprised that the storm was better organized despite its current location over Hendry County. Still, he did not anticipate the winds to become much stronger and repeated his prediction from Monday that this storm is becoming a "rain event."

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