Misplaced Pages

#329670

104-607: The first library in Bay County was established in 1911. It was located in Lynn Haven . The library was created by 14 women who met under the name of the Lynn Haven Literary Club. Each of the 14 women donated one book and three magazines to start the library, meeting in different locations to share their love of books and reading. When their collection grew to over 500 volumes, they needed more space. In 1922

208-632: A Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale , and a minimum barometric pressure of 916 hPa (27.05  inHg ), a pressure typical for a Category 5 hurricane. The tropical cyclone's eye measured 12 mi (19 km) at peak intensity as the storm was beginning an eyewall replacement cycle . The progression of this cycle resulted in Opal's gradual weakening thereafter. At 22:00 UTC that day, Opal made landfall between Pensacola Beach, Florida and Navarre Beach, Florida , on

312-515: A "wait and see" approach that resulted in complacency, while others affected by the widespread power outages caused by Erin may have acquired a greater sense of readiness toward the approaching hurricane. Regardless, the overall evacuation process was described as chaotic, and the failure to clear hurricane evacuation routes of casual or communal traffic was blamed for the relative unease during evacuations for Opal. Traffic congestion on these routes caused some evacuees to return to vulnerable areas along

416-687: A 56 mph (90 km/h) gust in the Atlanta-Hartsfield area. High winds in Rabun County caused $ 5 million (1995 USD) from the approach of Opal on October 5. The damage was worst in Rabun County where numerous trees were blown down. The wind damage was described as being worse than the March Superstorm of 1993 . Power was out for some people for at least a week. More than 4000 trees were knocked down within

520-412: A bachelor's degree or higher. In 2020, the median household income was $ 68,406 and the income per capita was $ 28,826. 10.5% of the population lived below the poverty threshold . The median gross rent was $ 1,274 and the median value of owner-occupied housing units was $ 214,800, as of 2020. As of the 2010 United States census , there were 18,493 people, 7,169 households, and 4,796 families residing in

624-620: A barn and several vehicles. Ten thousand dollars in damage occurred. The second and strongest tornado hit ground in Temple Hills, injuring three people after reaching a peak wind of 150 mph (240 km/h). 100 homes were damaged with 15 being condemned. The Potomac Electric Power reported 9000 people without power. Damage from the second tornado totaled out to $ 5 million. The third and final tornado touched down in Odenton, became an F1 tornado and doing $ 250,000 in damage to

728-596: A car and totaled it. An F0 tornado spawned by one of Opal's bands downed a number of trees and power lines. Campers, vehicles, structures and boats were damaged in Greenville. In North Carolina , over 17 inches (430 mm) of rain fell. The rainfall included 9.89 inches (251 mm) in Robinson Creek and 8.95 inches (227 mm) in Highlands. The Robinson Creek rains spawned flash flooding. Officials in

832-885: A city library. Several years later, the Springfield Library rejoined the Library System, but the staff remained city employees. A public library for Panama City Beach was the goal of many civic-minded volunteers and hardworking city officials. The first official meeting of the Advisory Board of the Panama City Beach Public Library took place on October 3, 1978. The members Dan Russell, Jane Patton (NWRLS Director), Robert Young, Mildred Russell, Julian Bennett, Jim Johnson, and W.H. Kampbell elected Peggy McCabe chair and Joe Sitton co-chair. On October 20, 1978, Peggy McCabe announced

936-560: A computer lab, as well as numerous computers throughout the adult and juvenile sections. After temporarily closing to the public in March 2020, the Panama City Beach Public Library opened up for curbside-only hours in the summer of 2020, and then fully reopened to regular hours in December 2020. In 2021, a sea turtle statue commissioned by the City of Panama City Beach was placed on the porch of

1040-539: A few other structures. Tropical storm force winds were reported in extreme south Lafourche Parish and Jefferson Parish, as well as extreme east St. Bernard Parish . Property damage cost estimated. Tides were generally 2 feet (0.61 m) above normal in Lake Pontchartrain, and three to five feet above normal along the southeast Louisiana coast from Grand Isle eastward. Some low-lying coastal roads were flooded. Approximately 10,000 people evacuated from

1144-547: A grant proposal for state funds to use in the construction of a new building. A new library committee was formed to help raise the remaining money needed for furnishings and construction. The chair of the new committee, Doug Gilmore, was also involved in the construction of the original library in Panama City Beach. Frank Walker became the branch manager in 2009. The new library building was completed in April 2010, and

SECTION 10

#1732772351330

1248-1005: A heavy rainfall warning by the Ontario and the Quebec Weather Centers for southern parts of both provinces but anticipated rain amounts would not be of the order of the ones associated with Hurricane Hazel 41 years before. The leftover system of Opal also spawned a gale warning for Nova Scotia . Rainfalls were from 0.5 inches (13 mm) in Northwestern Ontario to 4 inches (100 mm) in southern parts of Ontario and Quebec , less in New Brunswick . For example, Toronto received 78.6 millimetres (3.09 in), flooding basements and streets. In Quebec, 80 millimetres (3.1 in) were recorded in Montreal , only 2 millimetres (0.079 in) short of

1352-832: A large tree limb was downed in Saratoga Springs which damaged four cars. Total damage in New York totaled to $ 35,000. A low pressure area which used to be Opal moved across western and northern New York late and into Vermont on the night of October 5 and the morning October 6. Damaging winds occurred across parts of central and northern Vermont but especially along the western slopes of the Green Mountains . Damaging winds downed trees and power lines across Essex, Orleans, Addison, Caledonia and Rutland counties. In Essex County damage occurred in Canaan and Concord. Damage

1456-518: A mile of U.S. Highway 98 near Eglin Air Force Base was completely destroyed. The pavement was nearly replaced by mounds of sand left behind after storm surge. Opal also spawned an F2 tornado that killed a young woman in Florida. None died as a direct result of storm surge. This was quite unusual, considering the strength and landfall location of Opal. Okaloosa Island , Fort Walton Beach,

1560-658: A second bookmobile, and together with Washington County , formed the Northwest Regional Library System. The Bay County Library also moved to a new location in 1962, moving from Washington Park to the Christo Dime Store building on Harrison Avenue. Five years later, in 1967, the library would move once again, this time to a new building on the City Marina. In the early to mid-sixties, Gulf , Calhoun , and Walton Counties joined

1664-492: A secondary one at Maxwell Air Force Base with a gust of 90 mph (140 km/h). The highest sustained winds reported from Opal was 75 mph (121 km/h) at Fort Rucker, 55 mph (89 km/h) in downtown Mobile and 47 mph (76 km/h) at Maxwell Air Force Base and Montgomery . Numerous downed trees across much of the southeastern United States left over 2 million people without power. Alabama reported that 476,000 residents were without power, which

1768-668: A small reference section, magazines, and a few reading tables. The building, renovated for the Library, was previously home to the Fire Department, Springfield Baptist Church, and Springfield City Hall. Later the library would share the building with the Health Department. On February 16, 1992, the Springfield City Commission voted to leave the Library System and the Springfield Library became

1872-400: A stretch of beach now known as "Opal Beach", as a weakened Category 3 hurricane with winds of 115 mph (185 km/h). Weakening quickened as Opal moved further inland, degenerating into a tropical depression over Tennessee less than a day after landfall. The diffusing cyclone transitioned into an extratropical cyclone shortly afterwards; these extratropical remnants tracked towards

1976-486: Is the main route through the city. FL-77 leads north 41 mi (66 km) to Chipley along Interstate 10 and south 6 mi (10 km) to the center of Panama City. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 11.8 square miles (30.5 km ), of which 10.4 square miles (26.9 km ) is land, and 1.4 square miles (3.6 km ) (11.90%) is water. As of

2080-431: The 2020 United States census , there were 18,695 people, 7,605 households, and 5,715 families residing in the city. In 2020, there were 2,136 veterans living in the city. 3.4% of the population were foreign born persons. In 2020, 97.1% of households had a computer and 93.5% had a broadband internet subscription. 94.8% of those 25 years and older had a graduated high school or higher and 28.7% of that same population had

2184-527: The Galveston, Texas , emergency operations center opened to monitor the tropical cyclone and deliberate upon potential preparations for the city. Meanwhile, the launch Space Shuttle Columbia 's STS-73 mission set for October 5 was postponed due to Opal's anticipated effects. On October 3, a voluntary evacuation order was placed on Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana , due to the risks of potential storm surge. Schools were also closed by noon that day across

SECTION 20

#1732772351330

2288-560: The Great Smoky Mountains , power and phone service were out in many areas of the park. Newfound Gap road closed for several days due to trees and a rockslide that were lying across it. Campers were asked to leave Elkmont Campground near Gatlinburg because of high water. Many sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway were closed because of trees that fell across the road. Flooding occurred in the northern portion of

2392-707: The Gulf Coast during the afternoon and early evening of October 4. Wind damage was mainly limited to downed tree limbs, power lines, and signs. One minor injury was reported in Harrison County due to flying debris. Damage in Mississippi totaled up to $ 75 thousand. In Louisiana , the only significant wind damage occurred in extreme south Plaquemines Parish where winds were estimated around 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) with gusts to hurricane force, with wind damage reported to some mobile homes and roofs of

2496-443: The pecan crop was about $ 50 million. Several rivers and creeks overflowed their banks. Beginning the evening of October 4, numerous power outages were reported in metro Atlanta , where sustained tropical storm conditions overnight (including gusts to nearly 70 mph (110 km/h)) felled thousands of trees. Oaks were particularly susceptible, as their root systems were loose. Around 7 inches (180 mm) of rainfall

2600-496: The Bay County Public Library to work until the building was safe to inhabit. Over the years, the library at Panama City Beach continued to grow and enlarge its collection. More services were being offered than ever and patronage had exponentially increased. It soon became apparent that a new building was needed to meet the needs of the growing community. The mayor of Panama City Beach, Gayle Oberst submitted

2704-772: The Bay of Campeche, Opal accelerated towards the United States Gulf Coast . The combination of warm sea surface temperatures associated with an unusually warm pocket of ocean waters and an upper-level high pressure area over the Gulf of Mexico resulted in a highly conducive environment for intensification. After a significant reorganization in Opal's internal structure, the hurricane was able to rapidly intensify in these favorable conditions. At 12:00 UTC on October 4, Opal reached peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (240 km/h), making it

2808-451: The City of Panama City Beach had designated a parcel of city land at the corner of Firenzo and Highway 79 as the library site. A new library was built at Panama City Beach in the 1980s. The people of Panama City Beach were requesting their own library. At first, the Northwest Regional Library System sent their bookmobile to the Beach and staffed it with a volunteer. Each day, an employee of

2912-1339: The Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Library. All branches within the system have a bookstore. Bay County 898 West 11th Street Panama City, FL 32401 Hours (CST): Mon-Wed- 9:00 AM- 7:00 PM, Thurs-Sat- 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM, Sun- CLOSED 12500 Hutchison Boulevard Panama City Beach, FL 32407 Hours (CST): Mon-Wed- 9:00 AM- 6:00 PM, Thurs & Fri- 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM, Sat- 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM, Sun- CLOSED 4710 Second Street Parker, FL 32404 Hours (CST): Mon-Wed- 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM, Thurs & Fri- CLOSED, Sat- 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM, Sun- CLOSED Gulf County 110 Library Drive Port Saint Joe, FL 32456 Hours (EST): Mon & Tues- 10:00 AM- 6:00 PM, Wed- CLOSED, Thurs- 10:00 AM- 6:00 PM, Fri & Sat- 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM, Sun- CLOSED 314 North Second Street Wewahitchka, FL 32465 Hours (CST): Mon & Tues- 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM, Wed- CLOSED, Thurs & Fri- 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM, Sat & Sun- CLOSED Liberty County 13016 NW CR 12 Bristol, FL 32321 Hours (EST): Mon- CLOSED, Tues-Thurs- 9:00 AM- 6:00 PM, Fri- CLOSED, Sat- 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM Sun- CLOSED 22149 NE State Road 20 Hosford, FL 32334 Hours (EST): Mon- CLOSED, Tues- 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM, Wed- CLOSED, Thurs- 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM, Fri- CLOSED, Sat- 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM, Sun- CLOSED See

3016-783: The Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library in Port St. Joe , and the Harrell Memorial Public Library in Bristol offer 3D printing services. Meeting Rooms are available at several branches including, Bay County Public Library, Panama City Beach Library, Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Library ( Port St Joe ), and Charles Whitehead Public Library ( Wewahitchka ). The Literacy Department within

3120-701: The Fort Knox area had several roads closed after Opal washed them out. In Michigan , Opal produced 2 to 3 inches (51 to 76 mm) of rain over the Middle Rouge River Basin from late afternoon through the evening on the 5th. As a result, the Middle Rouge River crested one foot over flood stage, causing the Edward Hines Drive to be closed off to traffic. High winds associated with the remains of Hurricane Opal affected

3224-587: The Louisianan mainland. The following day, oil companies operating offshore oil drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico began evacuating workers from the rigs to land. On October 1, a coastal flood watch was issued for portions of the United States Coast due to the risk of storm surge from Opal. The United States Coast Guard issued an advisory for boaters in the Gulf of Mexico to use caution or remain in port where possible. The next day,

Northwest Regional Library System - Misplaced Pages Continue

3328-792: The Lynn Haven Literary Club. By 1915, the collection grew to 500 volumes. In 1922, the McMullin family donated a building and $ 1,000 and library became known as the McMullin Library. The Literary Club began a weekly story-telling hour on Saturdays for children under the age of twelve. In 1925, the Literary Club joined the Federation of Women's Club, continuing their sponsorship of the McMullin Library. The Lynn Haven Women's Club provided building maintenance and expense, made several improvements, and purchased many books. In 1961,

3432-571: The McMullin Library joined the Northwest Regional Library System. During this time, the city was flourishing and required a larger, more modern building. The building was moved to make room for the widening of Ohio Avenue and was moved three more times before finding a permanent home on Georgia Avenue. In 2017, the Heritage Society of Lynn Haven and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows began a $ 110,000 renovation project to restore

3536-669: The McMullin Library to the Lynn Haven Public Library to honor the change in ownership. [1] In January 1914, The Woman’s Club of Panama City formed the Library Association. The first library began with a personal donation of 1,500 books from a Mrs. West. That first library was housed in the Chamber of Commerce Building, bought with $ 3,500 that the members of the Woman's Club donated. On September 10, 1941,

3640-447: The McMullin family donated land and a building located at 9th Street and Ohio Avenue that would become the McMullin Library. In 1961, the McMullin Library became part of the Northwest Regional Library System. In 1990, following a shortage of funds within the public library system, the city of Lynn Haven took over responsibility of the library, and it is no longer part of the Northwest Regional Library System. The library's name changed from

3744-836: The Panhandle Public Library Cooperative System in October 1992. By 1992, three more counties withdrew from the system; Washington and Holmes county , and the Lynn Haven library. Holmes County would join Calhoun and Jackson County in the PPLCS. Computers and Wi-Fi are available at all branches. Computer classes are offered at the Bay County Public Library. An Events Calendar can be found here. The Bay County Public Library in Panama City ,

3848-625: The United States Gulf Coast ahead of Opal, with 5 percent of evacuees seeking public shelters and over half of evacuees seeking shelter out of their home counties; in their post-storm assessment the Federal Emergency Management Agency  (FEMA) noted that the landfalls of Hurricane Allison and Hurricane Erin on the Florida panhandle earlier in the year produced a dichotomous mood toward preparations for Hurricane Opal—some people may have taken

3952-539: The Yucatán Peninsula and intensified into a tropical storm on September 30. Opal intensified into a hurricane on October 2 after entering the Gulf of Mexico . The cyclone turned northeastward and strengthened significantly. By October 4, Opal was an intense 150 mph (240 km/h), Category 4 hurricane . With a minimum pressure of 916 millibars (916 hPa; 27.0 inHg), Hurricane Opal

4056-837: The area during the late afternoon and early evening on the 5th. Strong northeast winds destroyed a new 200-foot (61-m), two-story pole barn on the Marine City Highway in Marine City . The storm also cut power to several areas, resulting in some school closings. The maximum wind gust at Detroit Metro Airport was a 38-mph (61-km/h) gust, which was from the northeast. The damage from this incident totaled out to $ 15,000. The remnants of Opal passed across northeast Ohio and caused wind gusts up to 45 mph (72 km/h) and sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph (32 to 48 km/h) all across northern Ohio. Several automobiles were damaged by falling trees or limbs. Crops were damaged from

4160-469: The area. Eleven houses were damaged and about 10,000 people were without power in the whole district that the Baltimore Gas and Electric serves. In Tennessee , rainfalls included about 3 to 5 inches (76 to 127 mm) in the central part of the state, one inch (25 mm) at the western part of the state and 3 to 5 in (76 to 127 mm) in the eastern part of the state. Wind speeds at

4264-630: The building was repurposed solely as a library, and was renamed the Bay County Public Library. In 1960 the soon-to-be Northwest Regional Library System consisted of the Bay County Public Library, a bookmobile, as well as the McMullin Library. Later that same year, in September, the Bay County Public Library became incorporated as the Bay County Public Library Association, Inc. In 1962 the Association purchased

Northwest Regional Library System - Misplaced Pages Continue

4368-472: The building. In 1970, the new North Bay Branch Library was constructed. In the middle of the 1980s, the library underwent a major expansion to improve service and create room for over 11,000 volumes. A fund drive was held, along with funds matched by a grant from the State of Florida allowed for the building addition. The grand opening happened at the end of 1988. In 1990, the City of Lynn Haven took charge of

4472-446: The city of Atlanta alone. These trees fell across roads, and on power lines, homes, mobile homes, and automobiles. More than a half a dozen people were injured from falling trees in the early morning hours of October 5. There were more than 1200 telephone poles knocked down and almost 5,000 power lines snapped. Power crews from surrounding states helped to restore power to many, however, thousands of residences remained without power through

4576-434: The city. Lynn Haven is served by Bay District Schools . There are six public schools: There are two charter schools: Historic areas and buildings in Lynn Haven include: Lynn Haven Public Library, Bay County's first library, was established in the city of Lynn Haven in 1911 when a group of fourteen ladies donated a book and three magazines. Without a true library, they met in various homes and other local buildings as

4680-430: The coast while raising fears that stranded evacuees on highways could be subjected to potentially fatal hurricane-force winds. The post-landfall watches and warnings released in accordance with Opal were a flash flood warning released on October 5 for portions of Alabama , northern Georgia , and the western parts of North Carolina and South Carolina . The warning also included eastern Tennessee . A flash flood watch

4784-479: The contiguous United States was the first category 5 hurricane to strike the United States since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Hurricane Michael displaced thousands of Lynn Haven residents. Lynn Haven is located at 30°14′23″N 85°38′53″W  /  30.239849°N 85.648126°W  / 30.239849; -85.648126 . The city is located north of Panama City along Florida State Road 77 , which

4888-510: The cost of construction, which was an estimated $ 200,000 for a building that was 5,000 square feet. The local community including schools, clubs, churches, community members, and businesses donated money toward the new library building. The community also asked for and received help from the annual snowbirds that visit Panama City Beach during the winter. Additionally, the Bay County Commission promised $ 20,000 for construction of

4992-469: The country. In Florida, high winds and storm surge left extensive damage in the panhandle . The majority of structures were swept away or experienced some degree of damage, particularly from Wakulla County westward. In Escambia , Okaloosa , Santa Rosa and Bay counties, nearly 300 homes were destroyed and 1,000 others suffered major damage. The storm left at least $ 2.1 billion in damage in Florida alone. Several other states were impacted by

5096-581: The county including Route 57 near the Tri-county Firehouse. Downed wires caused power outages in Hackettstown and Mansfield Township . The remnants of Hurricane Opal passed over northwest Pennsylvania on Thursday night (5th/6th) and caused wind gusts up to 50 mph (80 km/h) and sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph (32 to 48 km/h). Heavy rains accompanied the storm and averaged 1.5 to 2.5 inches (38 to 64 mm). Flooding

5200-453: The doors to the old library were permanently closed in May 2010. The new Panama City Beach Public Library opened at 12500 Hutchison Boulevard, Panama City Beach, Florida. The transition to the new building was accomplished with the help of library staff, volunteers, and Panama City Beach Road and Street Department personnel. On May 20, 2010, a new Friends of the Panama City Beach Public Library group

5304-678: The extreme rainfall. By October 3, agricultural losses in Campeche alone were estimated in the billions of pesos (hundreds of millions of USD). At least 19 people perished across Mexico while another 31 were killed in Guatemala. About 200 miles (320 km) of Florida 's coastline felt the impact of Hurricane Opal. Rainfall in Florida peaked at 15.45 inches (392 mm) in Ellyson, 7.27 inches (185 mm) at Pensacola, and 6.64 inches (169 mm) at Hurlburt Field. The highest gust recorded

SECTION 50

#1732772351330

5408-425: The former, flooding and landslides left about 34,000 people homeless and damage to infrastructure and agriculture. A total of 31 deaths occurred in Guatemala. In Mexico, a number of rivers overflowed in the states of Campeche and Tabasco , forcing more than 42,000 people to evacuate. The storm left hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to agriculture in Campeche alone. Nineteen people were killed in

5512-470: The higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains were recorded at 70 mph (110 km/h) whereas 40–50 mph (64–80 km/h) gusts were more common at the lower elevations. Trees and power lines were down over much of the region. Over 70 miles (110 km) of the Appalachian Trail were closed due to trees being down. A total of over 20,000 people were without power from Opal's wrath. The most damage occurred in Hamilton County , which had damage

5616-467: The large number of evacuees led to severe traffic congestion ; Escambia County officials estimated that "tens of thousands" were still on evacuation routes within the county only a few hours before Opal made landfall. Mass evacuations in some other counties concluded during the afternoon of October 4, though many evacuees in other locations were unable to reach safe areas prior to the onset of gale-force winds. An estimated 100,000 people evacuated from

5720-410: The letter O . Over the next two days, Opal entered the Gulf of Mexico before tracking slowly west-southwestward into the Bay of Campeche . There, the storm strengthened into a hurricane at 12:00 UTC on October 2. Shortly afterward, a primitive eye began to form. At the same time, a strong trough tracking across the United States caused Opal to slowly turn northeastward. After clearing

5824-484: The library building as part of a series of public art throughout the city. In 1986, the Calhoun County Public Library withdrew from the system. The Calhoun County Public Library created its own county-wide system, which currently consists of the Blountstown Public Library, Altha Public Library, Hugh Creek Park Public Library, Kinard Park Public Library, Mossy Pond Park Public Library, and Shelton's Park Public Library. The Calhoun County Library System subsequently joined

5928-417: The library system offers a free program to anyone 18 years of age or older who wishes to improve their English-speaking skills, English reading or writing skills, or who is studying for the GED exam or U.S. Citizenship test. The program allows for Literacy Students to work either one-on-one or in a group setting with staff or volunteer tutors. Genealogy Search is provided at the Bay County Public Library and at

6032-430: The library system. Walton County withdrew from the system sometime during the 1970's. Liberty and Holmes Counties joined the library system in 1973 and 1974; the system now served six counties covering 3,946 square miles: Bay , Washington , Gulf , Calhoun , Liberty , and Holmes . On February 6, 1978, the Springfield Public Library opened. Ann Robbins was the branch manager. The library contained 5,000 books with

6136-410: The library would meet the staff member to assist in providing library service to the community. The Bookmobile service began in 1981. In October of 1978, a piece of land was designated on Highway 79 as the site of the future library. The City of Panama City Beach came to an agreement to pay the library's utility bill, which came to an estimated $ 3,000-$ 5,000 per year. The community then needed to raise

6240-468: The library's financial responsibilities and the name was changed to the Lynn Haven Public Library. Hurricane Michael, a category 5 storm, damaged the library in 2018. The building was removed in March 2021. City leaders may use the $ 1.9 million in insurance money to build a new library in a different location. Plans for a new library were unveiled in January 2022, but no decision has been made as of November 2023. Hurricane Opal Hurricane Opal

6344-422: The mobile library's website for more information. 30°10′05″N 85°40′22″W  /  30.1681°N 85.6729°W  / 30.1681; -85.6729 Lynn Haven, Florida Lynn Haven is a city in Bay County , Florida , United States, north of Panama City . Like many communities in Bay County, the city was severely damaged by Category 5 Hurricane Michael on October 10, 2018. The population

SECTION 60

#1732772351330

6448-408: The new building. The new library opened its doors in 1984. The library was renamed in 1994 for Dr. Robert L. Young in recognition of his contributions to the community. In 1995, Hurricane Opal tore the roof off of the library. Library staff and directors were forced to pack up the books and store them until the roof could be repaired. The staff of the Panama City Beach Public Library was moved to

6552-405: The northeast before they were last noted along the northern shore of Lake Ontario in Eastern Ontario. Although Opal was a weak system located over the Yucatán Peninsula at the time, 350 people evacuated from Grand Isle, Louisiana on September 28 after rough surf associated with the distant cyclone began to threaten Louisiana Highway 1 —the only thoroughfare connecting Grand Isle with

6656-427: The ocean was obscured from view by the dunes for miles, a flat open space opened up along U.S. Highway 98. The peak rainfall from Opal in Alabama was 19.42 inches (493 mm) 3 miles (4.8 km) east-northeast of Brewton, Alabama . Lesser amounts include 7.48 inches (190 mm) in Mobile and 6.1 inches (150 mm) in Anniston. The highest gust reported was a 95 mph (153 km/h) gust in Fort Rucker and

6760-533: The parish. Voluntary evacuation orders for the Florida panhandle, which would ultimately be the most heavily affected area, also began the same day with several counties giving evacuation orders. Farther west, a mandatory evacuation order was placed on Mobile County, Alabama , by then- Governor Fob James . Just before noon on October 4, with the hurricane near landfall, Escambia , Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties halted evacuations, instead ordering those still within vulnerable areas to seek shelter instead. However,

6864-545: The parkway. Linville Falls was evacuated; the Asheville and Gillespie Gap Districts were closed. Rockslides and mudslides had also been reported due to Opal. In West Virginia , 0.5–1.5 inches (13–38 mm) of rain were reported causing some schools to let out early. High winds associated with the remnants of Opal moved through southeast West Virginia on the 5th. High winds ranged between 35 and 45 mph (72 km/h) with some gusts to near 55 mph (89 km/h). Numerous trees, large branches, power lines and shingles off

6968-482: The potential for isolation by flooding. Although Opal was only a weak tropical storm when it affected the Yucatán Peninsula, its slow movement led to prolonged, flooding rains over much of the region. Tabasco received about 20 percent of its annual rainfall in four days due to the cyclone. Across Campeche and Tabasco, more than 42,000 people were forced to evacuate as rivers overflowed their banks. According to Notimex , approximately 100,000 people evacuated due to

7072-399: The record set by Hurricane Frederic 16 years prior. Rainfall stretched out to the area of Nova Scotia , but only up to 0.5 inches (13 mm) was reported there. In the spring of 1996, the World Meteorological Organization retired the name Opal from its rotating name lists due to the deaths and destruction the hurricane caused, and it will never again be used in the Atlantic basin. It

7176-409: The region reported weather conditions that were suggestive of a stronger system. As a result, the NHC upgraded the disturbance to tropical storm intensity at 12:00 UTC on September 30 while the storm was over the north-central coast of Yucatán; this classification resulted in the tropical cyclone being named Opal , which also made it the first Atlantic storm to be given a name starting with

7280-623: The remnants of Opal brought down trees and knocked out power in coastal areas of southern Maine. Some beach erosion occurred in Saco . Strong winds ripped away boats from their moorings in the Midcoast towns of Camden and Rockland . Wind and gale warnings were issued in Southern Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River in accordance with the remnants of Opal by the Canadian Hurricane Centre on October 5. Accompanying winds reached 83 kilometres per hour (52 mph) in Toronto and up to 102 kilometres per hour (63 mph) in Southern Ontario, feeling trees and power lines. The remnants also spawned

7384-507: The remnants of Opal. The damage from the fallen tree and its limbs totaled out to one thousand dollars. Mesocyclones moving around Opal's eastern periphery within Maryland spawned three tornadoes in Charles , Prince George's , and Anne Arundel County . The first tornado tracked along State Route 425 between the towns of Ironside and Grayton. Along the tornado's path, several trees were uprooted or snapped; two sheds were destroyed and two others sustained roof damage. Windows were blown out of

7488-586: The result. The most serious flooding apparently occurred in Avery County where evacuations were required and tanks of propane were found floating in the Banner Elk River . Three deaths also occurred in the state. A man in Candler was killed when a falling tree destroyed his mobile home. Another man was killed near Marshall when a tree was blown onto him while he was helping cut other trees out of

7592-679: The roadway. 10 people were also injured by wind blown debris and from falling trees. Damage from high winds totaled up to $ 15 million. In Virginia , trees in the Shenandoah Valley and along the Allegheny Plateau were blown down by 40 mph (64 km/h) winds at higher elevations. Over 7000 people were without power and damage in Virginia totaled to $ 5000. The National Park Service reported dozens of trees blown down along Skyline Drive in two counties. In

7696-611: The roofs of homes were ripped off in the wind. The vast majority of damage occurred at elevations above two thousand feet. Damage from the wind totaled out to $ 2000. Large limbs were downed by high wind across from the remnants of Hurricane Opal in Preston County. Damage there totaled out to $ 1000. Damage in West Virginia totaled out to only $ 5,000. In Maryland , a large tree and its limbs along Maryland Route 495 near Bittinger were downed by high winds associated with

7800-518: The same area at near equal strength in 1975 . The two reported storm surges were 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 m) above normal at Apalachicola and 2 to 4 feet (0.61 to 1.22 m) above normal at Sarasota . Opal caused about US$ 4.7 billion (1995 dollars) in damage, making it the third costliest hurricane at the time. Most of the structural damage occurred near the coastline on the Florida Panhandle, due to intense surge. Nearly

7904-588: The southern sections of the St. Lawrence Seaway were upgraded into a storm warning for Erie alone. The gale warning for the other two sections remained. The shoreline of Lake Erie was under a beach erosion warning from Buffalo, New York to Ripley, New York . The Storm Prediction Center released a tornado watch for northern and central New Jersey and portions of New York and Connecticut on October 6. Significant non-surge areas of Escambia County, Florida , south of US 98 were included in evacuation areas because of

8008-478: The southern, or lower, portions of Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Lafourche , and Jefferson Parishes . The only significant gathering of persons in public shelters occurred in Plaquemines Parish , where 1,600 people were placed in public shelters. Although no direct injuries occurred from the hurricane, an indirect injury is attributed to the hurricane in a freak accident. A Jefferson Parish employee

8112-495: The spring of 1996 and replaced with Olga for the 2001 season . The origins of Hurricane Opal were linked using satellite imagery and synoptic analyses to a tropical wave that left the western coast of Africa on September 11. Ten days later, the disturbance reached the Lesser Antilles after crossing the tropical Atlantic. Continuing westward, the disturbance showed little signs of organization before entering

8216-609: The state from Opal. Total rainfall across Jefferson County , where Louisville is located ranged from 2.4 inches (61 mm) at the Louisville International Airport to 3.5 inches (89 mm) at Fern Creek Road south of the Gene Snyder Freeway. Several trees were knocked down and soils were saturated after Opal passed through. A bridge washed out over Sulphur Creek and minor flooding was reported across Kentucky Route 80. Elizabethtown and

8320-474: The state had the citizens boil their water before drinking it because of a possibility that floodwater may have entered purification plants. A landslide triggered by Opal and damaged the Blue Ridge Parkway . Opal triggered a debris flow in the Poplar Cove area of Macon County. A flash flood from rainfall amounts typically ranged from four to six inches (100 to 150 mm) and closed roads and bridges were

8424-664: The storm reached 55 mph (89 km/h) all across the lake with gusts to 70 mph (110 km/h) producing waves of 10 to 14 feet (3.0 to 4.3 m). Minor to moderate beach and shore erosion occurred in many areas, especially the western end of the lake. Localized flooding occurred in communities with low-lying areas along the lake. Boats were also grounded. Damage in Ohio totaled out to $ 205,000. In New Jersey , thunderstorms with heavy rain, averaging around 3.5 inches (89 mm) countywide, caused flooding of small streams and roadways including United States Route 46. The heavy rain

8528-451: The storm, especially Alabama , where the storm spawned many tornadoes and strong winds downed numerous trees and left about 2.6 million people without electricity. A total of 27 deaths were attributed to Opal in the United States. The hurricane overall left about $ 4.7 billion in damage, much of which took place in the US. Due to its destructive effects, the name Opal was retired in

8632-400: The storm. By October 1, an estimated 500,000 acres of crops had been destroyed by the floods. In San Francisco de Campeche , flood waters reached a depth of 6 ft (1.8 m). Governor Jorge Salomon ordered the closure of all government offices, businesses, and schools by October 2 in light of the extensive flooding. At least 60 towns across the state were isolated by

8736-435: The strong winds. A number of farms reported fields of corn blown over and ripe apples and other fruit being stripped from trees. Rainfall of 3.4 inches (86 mm) in less than 24 hours was measured at Mansfield , and most areas averaged 1.5 to 2.5 inches (38 to 64 mm) during the same period. Flooding was localized and not significant since very dry conditions preceded the storm. Sustained northeast winds ahead of

8840-454: The system a tropical depression at 18:00  UTC that day. At the time, the depression was centered 80 mi (130 km) south-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico . The primordial depression meandered across the Yucatán Peninsula during the three days following tropical cyclogenesis due to the lack of dominant steering currents . Despite remaining over land for an extended period, the depression developed organized rainbands , and ships in

8944-420: The use of the library's services. Books and other items checked out had increased by 41% and computer usage had increased by 55%. From the opening of the new library on June 01, 2010, to May 31, 2011, there were 3,342 new library cards given to patrons. The new Panama City Beach, Florida has made a huge impact on the community past and present. It has one conference room and one study room. The library also has

9048-937: The weekend. An 80-foot (24 m) gash was torn out of Interstate 285 between Roswell Road and the Glenridge Connector in Atlanta. Schools were closed on October 5 and 6 throughout the cities of Atlanta , Marietta, and in Fulton, Coweta, Carroll and Douglas counties. A total of 47 of 101 schools were closed in Dekalb County alone. Four state parks were closed after Opal: Moccasin Creek Park , Black Rock Mountain , Vogel State Park , and Fort Mountain State Park . 273 stations reported many falling traffic lights. Agricultural experts estimated that damage to

9152-607: The west of Buffalo , New York on October 5 and 6. Two to 3 inches (38–64 mm) of rain fell over much of the area with isolated amounts of near four inches (100 mm) over parts of the western Southern Tier. Sustained winds were estimated between 35 and 40 mph (56 and 64 km/h), but the easterly winds did down some trees and power lines. In Oneida County , the high winds downed trees and wires in New York Mills, Waterville, Sylvan Beach, North Bay, Lee Center, Rome, McConnellsville and Verona. In Saratoga County

9256-593: The western Caribbean Sea on September 23. There, the wave became entangled with a broad area of low-pressure east of Nicaragua , and the combined system drifted west-northwestward toward the Yucatán Peninsula ; but even then, the disturbance lacked significant development. However, a burst of thunderstorm activity occurred near the storm's center on September 27, prompting the National Hurricane Center  (NHC) to declare

9360-736: Was 18,695 at the 2020 census, up from 18,493 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Panama City— Panama City Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area . Lynn Haven was founded in 1911 by Union veterans from the American Civil War . The town was named after W. H. Lynn, a primary stockholder of the St. Andrews Bay Development Company, the corporation that owned and developed the land on which Lynn Haven grew. On October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael made landfall near Lynn Haven. The 3rd strongest hurricane to ever make landfall in

9464-709: Was 8.66 inches (220 mm) in Marietta , 18.08 inches (459 mm) in Peachtree City, and 7.17 in (182 mm) in west Atlanta . Southern Georgia only reported 1–3 inches (25–76 mm) of rain, while the northern part of the state reached about 5–7 inches (130–180 mm). The peak wind gust in Georgia was a 79 mph (127 km/h) gust in Marietta, a 70 mph (110 km/h) gust in Columbus , and

9568-470: Was a 145 mph (233 km/h) gust at the latter. Lower gusts were 115 miles per hour (185 km/h) at Eglin Air Force Base and an 88 mph (142 km/h) gust at Pensacola P.N.S. The highest sustained winds were 84 mph (135 km/h) at Hurlburt Field and 80 mph (130 km/h) at Eglin Air Force Base . Opal brought heavy surge to the area, 8 to 15 feet (2.4 to 4.6 m) in some places, comparing itself to Hurricane Eloise , which struck

9672-479: Was a large and powerful tropical cyclone that caused severe and extensive damage along the northern Gulf Coast of the United States in October 1995. The fifteenth named storm , ninth hurricane and strongest tropical cyclone of the unusually active 1995 Atlantic hurricane season , Opal developed from the interaction of a tropical wave and a low-pressure area near the Yucatán Peninsula on September 27 as Tropical Depression Seventeen. The depression crossed

9776-458: Was a record at the time; however, this number was surpassed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 . Damage was heavy far inland, all the way to Montgomery , where sustained winds reached 90 mph (140 km/h). Highest rainfalls in Mississippi were 5 inches (130 mm) throughout the eastern side of the state with lower amounts going westward. Tropical-storm-force winds were reported along

9880-563: Was also in effect for portions of the Upper Ohio Valley , the Mid-Atlantic region, the central Appalachians , and the lower Great Lakes . Wind warnings were in effect for northwestern South Carolina all the way to western New York . A gale watch was also in effect for Lake Erie , Lake Ontario , and the southern sections of the St. Lawrence Seaway . Six hours later, the gale warnings over Lake Erie , Lake Ontario , and

9984-896: Was also reported in Caledonia County , in Rutland County , in Clarendon and Chittenden and in Orleans County in Derby Center. Total damage in Vermont totaled out to $ 135,000. Heavy winds and rain associated with the remnants of Opal brought down trees and knocked out power in southwestern and northern New Hampshire . One person was injured in Marlborough when a large tree blew onto his moving pickup truck. In Maine , heavy winds and rain associated with

10088-522: Was estimated over a total of $ 1 million. Damage in Hamilton County include a circus was left stranded at a campground and needed to be evacuated. A number of residences and businesses were also surrounded by water and occupants were to be evacuated. Total damage in Tennessee totaled out at $ 2.02 million. In Kentucky , 1 to 5 inches (25 to 127 mm) of rain was reported throughout

10192-442: Was formed and is still in operation today. They are a valuable resource to the library. The new Panama City Beach Public Library opened its doors on June 1, 2010. On June 01, 2011, the one-year anniversary of the new library was celebrated. Attendees included library staff, city officials, and over 400 patrons. Statistical data between the last year of the old library and the first year in the new building show dramatic increases in

10296-614: Was injured while attempting to lower a large flag on October 4. The employee, who was holding onto a rope attached a flag, was tossed high into the air, and suffered severe injuries when he fell back to the ground. Total damage in Louisiana totaled out to US$ 200,000 (1995 dollars). Breaking swells from Opal in Texas caused water to spill across at the usual wash-over points which damaged several vehicles. The peak rainfall in Georgia

10400-473: Was localized and not significant since drought conditions preceded the storm. The prolonged period of strong winds brought down trees and limbs along with some power lines. At least one automobile was damaged by a downed tree in Erie. Several farms reported fields of corn blown down and apples and other fruit being stripped from trees. The actual crop damage estimate was unknown. The remnants of Opal passed just to

10504-506: Was overwhelmed by storm surge. Numerous homes were under 3 to 10 feet (0.91 to 3.05 m) of water. Residents were not allowed to return to the island until the homes could be secured. A Humvee tour was arranged by the National Guard so home owners could 'see' the damage, but the homeowners were not allowed off the bus. Sand dunes along the stretch of US 98, normally 25 feet (7.6 m) high, were removed by wind and surge. Where once

10608-629: Was recorded in extreme northwestern South Carolina and came in reducing amounts around the rest of the state. Heavy rainfalls closed roads and bridges, causing $ 24 million in crop and property damage. A tornado in Chesterfield, South Carolina caused many trees to be blown down in the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge . Trees were blown down in Orangeburg, one of those trees fell onto

10712-706: Was represented as the first significant dent in the drought that had affected northern New Jersey since September 1994. Storm totals included 6.7 inches (170 mm) in Wawayanda, 5.3 (135 mm) in Hackettstown , 4.5 inches (110 mm) in Oak Ridge , 4.2 inches (110 mm) in Clinton and 4.10 inches (104 mm) in Pequannock . The remnants of Opal caused severe thunderstorms that uprooted trees near Belvidere . Trees and wires were down in scattered parts of

10816-583: Was the most intense category 4 Atlantic hurricane on record. However, the cyclone abruptly weakened to a low-end Category 3 hurricane prior to making landfall on the Florida Panhandle near Pensacola later that day. The storm quickly unraveled as it moved inland and became extratropical on October 5. The remnants of Opal moved northward and dissipated over Ontario the following day. The precursor and initial stages of Opal brought heavy rainfall and flooding to Guatemala and Mexico . In

#329670