Helene Updates: Mandatory Evacuation Orders Begin in Tampa Bay

This story is being updated as new alerts are sent to the TBBW newsroom.

Pinellas County has issued a mandatory evacuation of all in ZONE A, effective immediately, including high-rise buildings in Zone A.

Only ZONE A are told to go 10 to 15 miles outside of ZONE A (friends, family, hotels, etc.)

If you evacuate, stay outside ZONE A for the storm’s duration. Re-admittance will only occur after the county deems it safe to do so. Make sure you have your re-entry passes.

There are reports for a 5-to-8-foot storm surge, quick winds and elevated water for the next 24 to 36 hours.

For shelter information and storm resources: visit:  disaster.pinellas.gov or call: 727.464.4333

The full statement from Pinellas County is below:

Pinellas officials: Zone A residents must evacuate by noon to escape storm surge (UPDATED Sept. 26, 10:42 a.m.)

First responders won’t be able to reach people after flood waters increase

Pinellas County residents in Evacuation Zone A and mobile homes only have a few hours left to safely evacuate today before storm surge flooding makes roads impassable, stranding people in areas expected to be inundated by this afternoon.  

The National Weather Service continues to forecast storm surge levels of 5 to 8 feet later today, enough to easily inundate the first floor of a home or wash away a vehicle. As of 9 a.m., street flooding was already making travel hazardous on barrier islands and other coastal and low-lying areas, and the flooding is forecast to get much worse throughout the day and overnight.

Staying put in a Zone A high-rise condo or hotel is not a safe option as building utility and electrical systems are often on the ground floor and could cause a fire when flooded, Pinellas County Emergency Management Director Cathie Perkins said.

Perkins and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri pleaded with residents in Evacuation Zone A to leave before noon today during a morning news briefing. Perkins noted the predicted surge is much higher than the County’s coastal areas experienced for Hurricane Idalia in 2023, which flooded 1,500 homes. Sheriff Gualtieri spoke to the limitations of rescue operations in high floodwaters, emphasizing that first responders will not be able to reach people during the height of the storm surge.

• Full morning news conference and clips with Pinellas County Emergency Management Director Cathie Perkins, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and Communications Director Barbra Hernandez: Dropbox link

For those on the barrier islands who need transportation, PSTA will run one final bus north and one bus south along route 555 at 10 a.m. The southbound route will run from Park Street Terminal in Clearwater south to 75th and Gulf in St. Pete Beach. The northbound route will run in the opposite direction.

UBER: Individuals with an Uber account can use code HELENERELIEF to obtain a $40 voucher for up to two trips. To unlock the code: go to “Account”, select “Wallet” or “Payment,” and then “Add Promo Code” at the end of the page.  Perkins noted that drivers may no longer be operating later this morning or afternoon as streets become too dangerous.

Evacuees do not need to leave the area; they merely need to move to higher ground. They are encouraged to stay with family or friends, in a hotel, or in one of six public shelters Pinellas County has opened, including pet-friendly and special needs shelters.

Latest storm/incident developments

• Hurricane Helene has strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane with 100 mph winds and is expected to continue strengthening before it makes landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida. Pinellas County issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents in Zone A and all mobile homes countywide . This includes high-rise buildings in Evacuation Zone A, which will not be a safe place to ride out the storm.
• Pinellas County remains under a Storm Surge Warning, Tropical Storm Warning, Hurricane Watch, Tornado Watch and Flood Watch. Tropical Storm force winds are upon us. The biggest impacts are expected later today, with dangerous storm surge of 5 to 8 feet continuing after the storm exits the area.

Pinellas County response/action

General

• Six shelters are open for residents who need to evacuate and do not have a safe place to stay with family or friends.
• Check your evacuation zone one of these ways:
  • Visit disaster.pinellas.gov 
  • Register for emergency alerts through Alert Pinellas
  • Download the Ready Pinellas app.
  • Call the County Information Center (727) 463-4333
  • Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the County Information Center via online chat at www.bit.ly/PinellasChat.
• The Emergency Operations Center and County Information Center are open to respond to the storm. Call (727) 464-4333. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the County Information Center via online chat at www.bit.ly/PinellasChat.

 Emergency Shelters

• Dunedin Highland Middle: 70 Patricia Ave, Dunedin (special needs)
• Gibbs High: 850 34th St S, St. Petersburg (pet friendly)
• John Hopkins Middle: 701 16th St S, St. Petersburg (special needs)
• Largo High: 410 Missouri Ave, Largo (pet friendly)
• Lealman Innovation Academy: 4900 28th St N, Lealman
• Palm Harbor University High – Building 19: 1900 Omaha St, Palm Harbor (special needs, pet friendly and general population)
• Palm Harbor University High – Main Building: 1900 Omaha St, Palm Harbor (pet friendly)

Advice & Information for Residents

• If you are in Evac Zone A or in a mobile home and you have not evacuated, you need to evacuate to a safe location before noon.
• If you can shelter safely outside of the evacuation zones in a hotel or with a friend or family member, please do so.
• Emergency responders will not be able to respond to most calls once sustained winds have reached dangerous speeds or floodwaters become too dangerous.
• If you live in Evacuation Zone A or an area prone to flooding, move your electric vehicles to higher ground now. Electric vehicles, including e-bikes and golf carts with lithium-ion batteries, can create extreme fire hazards when exposed to saltwater. Do NOT leave them in your garage.
• Stay informed: Monitor local news media, National Weather Service, disaster.pinellas.gov, Facebook @PinellasGov, X @PinellasGov, search hashtag #PCHelene. Check for updates regularly as storm forecasts and guidance can change quickly.
• Register for emergency alerts at disaster.pinellas.gov and download the Ready Pinellas app in the App Store or Google Play store for real-time storm updates.

St. Petersburg College to Remain Closed Through Friday, Sept. 27, Due to Storm

St. Petersburg College (SPC) will remain closed through Friday, Sept. 27, due to impacts from Hurricane Helene. All SPC campuses and offices will be closed during this time. Scheduled activities are also canceled.

The safety of our students, faculty and staff is our highest priority. We will continue to assess our campuses and the potential impacts of the storm and provide updates as needed. For more information, visit SPC’s Emergency Preparedness site at spcemergency.com.

Pinellas County’s three movable bridges to be locked at 8 p.m. Wednesday

Following guidance from the U.S. Coast Guard, Pinellas County plans to lock its three movable bridges in the closed position at 8 p.m. today, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in advance of Hurricane Helene.

The Dunedin Causeway bridges, Beckett Bridge in Tarpon Springs and Park Boulevard Bridge in Seminole will remain open to vehicle traffic, but will not open for boat traffic until conditions are clear following the storm.

Owners of high clearance boats that need to move them to a more secure location before the storm should do so before the bridges close tonight.

The Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Department of Transportation will close the Sunshine Skyway bridge when wind speeds reach about 45 mph. The Gandy Bridge, Howard Frankland Bridge and/or Courtney Campbell Causeway will be closed if wave action makes travel unsafe. 

For ongoing road closure updates through the storm, check the Waze App or waze.com.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport Closed Thursday

The St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport Terminal building will close after the last flight arrives on Wednesday, September 25^th.  The airport plans to reopen on Friday, September 27^th.

Operations Status

Wednesday September 25th – All Allegiant flights operating as scheduled.

Thursday, September 26th – All Allegiant flights cancelled.

Friday, September 27^th – Airport plans to reopen Friday morning.  Contact airlines for flight information. 

Please contact the Airlines directly for information regarding cancellations and resumption of service.

Allegiant  – www.allegiantair.com  Phone: 702-505-8888

Sun Country – www.suncountry.com  Phone: 651-905-2737

The airport is in a mandatory evacuation zone.  The St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is not a public shelter.

For more information on emergency planning in Pinellas County, visit disaster.pinellas.gov

HILLSBOROUGH UPDATES:

Hillsborough County has issued a mandatory evacuation for Evacuation Zone A and for all mobile homes and manufactured housing within the County starting at 9 a.m., September 25. The County has opened six shelters for residents in Evacuation Zone A, those whose homes are vulnerable to storm surge and flooding, and for manufactured homes that are susceptible to wind damage. Residents in Evacuation Zone A should be in a safe location no later than 5 a.m. on Thursday, September 26. 

Below is the list of shelters now open to residents: 

• Burnett Middle School (pet friendly), 1010 N. Kingsway Rd., Seffner, FL 33584 
• Durant High School (pet friendly), 4748 Cougar Path, Plant City, FL 33567 
• Middleton High School (pet friendly), 4801 N. 22nd St., Tampa, FL 33610 
• Sickles High School (pet friendly), 7950 Gunn Hwy., Tampa, FL 33626 
• Reddick Elementary School, 325 West Lake Dr., Wimauma, FL 33598 
• Erwin Technical College (Special Needs only, pet friendly), 2010 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33610 

Port Tampa Bay Announces Closures of Shipping Channels as Hurricane Helene Approaches

At 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, the U.S. Coast Guard set Port Condition ZULU, meaning the possibility of gale force winds could impact Port Tampa Bay’s maritime operations within 12 hours. As a result, inbound and outbound vessel traffic to our port has ceased. The port’s shipping channels have closed, but landside operations will continue as long as safely possible.  

Port Tampa Bay is working with the National Weather Service, U. S. Coast Guard and state and local partners to monitor the potential impact of Hurricane Helene in the Gulf. As always, the Port’s priorities are safety of life, protection of the environment, and maritime commerce resiliency. 

The Tampa Bay port community has initiated the Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group, which closely monitors impacts to the port and waterways, engages with the U.S. Coast Guard and various operators that make up the local maritime community, and makes recommendations to the Coast Guard on Hurricane Port Conditions. 

The storm will have an impact to our cruise schedule. If guests have any questions about a specific sailing, we recommend they contact their cruise line directly as all changes to itineraries will be communicated by the cruise line. The customer service lines for cruise lines sailing from Port Tampa Bay this week are: 

• Carnival Cruise Line: 1-800-764-7419
• Margaritaville at Sea: 1-800-814-7100
• Royal Caribbean International: 1-800-256-6649

We will work with our fuel terminal operators and partners to ensure gas and other fuels move out of our port and to consumers as long as possible. Additionally, port staff will continue to work round-the-clock so we can re-open to full operations as soon as safely possible to support the community and region we serve.

Port Tampa Bay is doing all it can to prepare for Hurricane Helene, and to ensure safety of life, protection of the environment, and maritime commerce resiliency.

All storm-related updates will be posted at www.porttb.com.

Hillsborough County Faces Flood Watches and Flood Warnings Due to Approach of Hurricane Helene

Hillsborough County, Fla. (Sept. 25, 2024) – Due to anticipated extreme weather in our area caused by Hurricane Helene, the National Weather Service has issued flood watches and flood warnings throughout Hillsborough County.  A flood watch has been issued for: All of Hillsborough County  A flood warning has been issued at: Little Manatee River at Wimauma for minor flooding from Friday morning until Sunday night, and; Alafia River at U.S. 301 through Friday afternoon, cresting at around 8ft.  A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible. A flood warning is issued when a hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening.  Flooding can occur anytime and anywhere when heavy or steady rain occurs, or when related to storm surge. And water that is only inches deep can be next to water that is several feet deep. While residents are typically affected by inland flooding near lakes and in areas with low-lying elevations, flooding along rivers and coastal tidal surge are not uncommon. When rivers rise, water tends to spread out far from riverbanks.   Personal safety is paramount, and staying informed helps to stay safe.  Know your flood zone in Hillsborough County, and sign up for Hillsborough County’s HCFL Alert, the County’s emergency notification system that can send alerts to your cellphone or email with updates on weather alerts, flood warnings, severe weather, hurricane evacuations, and road closures. Monitor local river and stream levels from the National Weather Service Forecast Office. Visit HCFL.Gov/StaySafe for updated information.  If you live in a flood-prone area, prepare for flooding. Know how to shut off the electricity and gas to your house prior to a flood. Make a list of emergency numbers, identify a safe place to go in case of a flood, and put insurance policies, valuable papers, and medicine in a safe place.  Visit Flood Safety and Information to learn more about how to protect your property and loved ones.  Make sure to have a plan. Residents without digital access to these valuable resources are encouraged to call (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676, the County’s storm information line, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

MANATEE COUNTY UPDATES:

Helene Impacts Manatee County
 

(Sept. 26, 10:46 a.m.) – Manatee County Emergency Management and staff have made final preparations to face the brunt of Hurricane Helene.  So too have citizens.
 
A total of 2,919 calls have come into 3-1-1 asking for help in finding evacuation levels, sandbag locations and in some cases, even getting a ride to the shelter. As the storm makes its effects felt across the county, residents and visitors are encouraged to reach out to 3-1-1 to report any damage or outages. A record total of more than 118,000 users logged onto mymanatee.org/storm on Wednesday alone.
 
A total of 680 tons of sand were bagged up for residents to help protect their homes and properties.
 
More than 50 animals in the care of Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) found fosters to help them ride out Hurricane Helene safe and sound after MCAW sent out a plea for volunteers on social media.
 
As of 8 a.m. Thursday, the lake level at the Manatee Dam was at 36.26’. Crews are continuing to monitor inflow to the reservoir and will adjust any outflow as appropriate. The county is also monitoring the network of 737 lift stations in real time, to help pinpoint any potential outages and initiate appropriate response, including dispatching generators for emergency power. Other staff members are keeping close watch on river levels, roads… and the 200+ traffic signals across the county.
 
While some storm surge reports of up to three feet have been detected at county monitoring stations already, potential storm surge of 5-8 feet is expected along coastal parts of the county. Because of that threat, Manatee County Utilities Department has interrupted potable water service to the island cities of Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and the Town of Longboat Key.  This precautionary measure is being implemented to maintain the integrity of the water infrastructure.
 
Manatee County Utilities will work diligently to restore water to the islands as soon as it is safe to do so.  Please understand this a necessary safety precaution to ensure that water line stays intact.  We will continue to post updates on our social media platforms and local news.
 
Evacuations for Level A and for all persons living in mobile or manufactured homes and RVs were initiated yesterday. Level B evacuations are recommended. Public shelters remain open at Lee Middle School (4000 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34210) and Buffalo Creek Middle School (7320 69th St. E., Palmetto, FL 34221) as well as a special needs shelter for those who have pre-registered.
 
Residents and visitors should continue to monitor local news and weather broadcasts as well as the County’s social media accounts for updates on Helene. Follow official storm information from Manatee County at mymanatee.org/storm.

***

Due to the impending weather impacts of Tropical Storm Helene, Manatee County has issued an evacuation notice for any residents living in the Level A evacuation zone and anyone living in mobile or manufactured homes in Manatee County beginning Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m.
 
This evacuation order will give residents and visitors on the barrier islands and low-lying areas of Manatee County plenty of time to get out of harm’s way and move into a safe location by Wednesday night. The County is expected to feel the tropical storm effects of Helene as soon as Thursday morning, Sept. 26.
 
“We do not issue evacuation orders lightly,” said Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske. “If you feel that you need to evacuate, please do so.”
 
While officials are encouraging any evacuees to stay with friends or relatives, when possible, there will be community shelters opening at Electa Arcotte Lee Middle School (4000 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34210) and Buffalo Creek Middle School (7320 69th St. E., Palmetto, FL 34221) as well as a special needs shelter for those who have pre-registered.
 
The Island Branch Library (5701 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach, FL 34217) and Little Discovery Center (321 165^th St. W, Bradenton, FL 34205) will be closing Wednesday ahead of the storm. All other Manatee County Library branches will be closing Thursday along with all other Manatee County facilities.

Manatee County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will continue to monitor the storm system as its effects are felt across Florida and Manatee County. Other closings and postponements may be announced as the storm continues to move closer to our area. Residents and visitors should monitor local news and weather broadcasts as well as the County’s social media accounts for updates.

Follow official storm information from Manatee County at mymanatee.org/storm.

POLK COUNTY UPDATES:

 Polk County was placed under tropical storm watch this morning by the National Hurricane Center. Forecasters warn of potential flooding in Polk between Wednesday evening and Friday morning as Helene strengthens, making its way up the Gulf of Mexico from its current position southeast of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Polk County Public Schools will be closed Thursday and Friday as a precaution against winds and rain spun off by Tropical Storm Helene as it churns north through the Gulf of Mexico.

PASCO COUNTY UPDATES:

The Pasco Board of County Commissioners has issued a Local State of Emergency for Pasco County ahead of Tropical Storm Helene.  This allows the County Administrator and Emergency Management Director to waive everyday procedures and do what they believe is necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of our community.

Mandatory evacuations will go into effect Wednesday, September 25, at 9:00 a.m. for the following:

• Evacuation Zone A
• Everyone living in a manufactured home, mobile home or RV anywhere in Pasco
• Everyone in low-lying areas or areas prone to flooding
• Everyone in an area ordered evacuated by local authorities due to life-safety hazards

Voluntary evacuations will go into effect Wednesday, September 25, at 9:00 a.m. for the following:

• Evacuation Zones B and C
• Everyone registered with Pasco as a Special Needs Resident
• Everyone who would be vulnerable in the event of a power loss

Know your evacuation zone.  Please click HERE to enter your street address on our interactive map: mypas.co/Map.

Pasco County is also opening shelters Wednesday, September 25 for anyone who needs to leave their home ahead of the storm and has nowhere else to stay.  To see a full list of shelters, visit MyPasco.net.

Pasco County’s Customer Service Center is open until 5 p.m. Tuesday and will be open 24 hours beginning Wednesday at 7 a.m.  Call 727.847.2411 or chat with us online at MyPasco.net.

Call 911 if you need emergency assistance.Pasco County is posting storm updates on our social media pages and our website: MyPasco.net.

SARASOTA COUNTY UPDATES:

The Sarasota County 311 Center is fully staffed and ready to assist the community. Staff is available now and will continue to be as we see the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Please call 311 or 941-861-5000 for any questions you may have. 

Tornado Watch Issued

Sarasota County is under a tornado watch until 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26.

Water Being Turned off on Siesta Key & Casey Key

 Sarasota County Public Utilities is shutting off potable water service on Siesta and Casey Key. You will begin noticing a pressure difference, and water service will be completely shut off by 8 a.m. 

Sarasota County Public Utilities is on Siesta Key and Casey Key shutting off potable water service. This precautionary measure protects the community’s infrastructure, which may be inundated by storm surge and high winds. You will begin noticing a pressure difference, and water service will be completely shut off by 8 a.m.
 
Sarasota County Public Utilities team members are prepared to deploy when conditions are safe and restore water services to those who are affected. As a reminder, when potable water services return, these areas will be under a boil water notice. Please stay updated via our social media channels, local news channels, and by visiting scgov.net or calling 311 or 941-861-5000.
 
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we do our best to protect our community and provide the best possible utility service.