Hurricane and storm surge warnings for parts of the Bay Area
FOX 13 Meteorologist Dave Osterberg has the latest on potential Tropical Cyclone 9, which is expected to develop into Helene on Tuesday. The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane and storm surge warnings for parts of the Tampa Bay Area, with the worst impacts expected to be felt Thursday.
BROOKSVILLE, Fla. – A state of emergency is in effect in Hernando County ahead of the possible arrival of potential Tropical Cyclone Nine.
County commissioners decided to declare a state of emergency because it gives the Hernando County government the authority to “take action as necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of our community.”
This includes emergency purchases, acquiring additional resources, renting equipment, hiring workers, using volunteers, etc.
The local state of emergency will remain in effect for seven days or until lifted.
On Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSasntis had already declared a state of emergency for 41 counties, including Hernando County.
State of emergency in Manatee County
Manatee County has declared a local emergency.
This declaration allows county staff to take any necessary emergency actions during the storm and also allows the county to receive resources from the state if needed. This declaration is in addition to the LSE regulations for Tropical Storm/Hurricane Debby that are still in effect.
“We currently have 11 sandbag stations open and operational,” said Jodie Fiske, Manatee County Public Safety Director.
Residents are encouraged to take all necessary precautions to protect their property from potential flooding. The sandbag locations that have remained open will be supplemented by additional locations in at-risk areas. Open locations can be found at mymanatee.org/sandbags.
State of emergency in Pinellas County
During a meeting on Tuesday morning, commissioners declared a local state of emergency.
State of emergency in Sarasota County
A hurricane warning is currently in effect for Sarasota County. Due to the expected intensification of potential Tropical Cyclone 9, Sarasota County has declared a local emergency and will issue an evacuation warning for Level A and manufactured home communities beginning at 7 a.m. Wednesday.
Evacuation centers in Sarasota County will open at noon Wednesday.
Schools in Sarasota County will close at the end of the day today, September 24, to allow time for preparation of schools serving as emergency evacuation centers.
“We are ready to help our community. We are working with Sarasota County to provide shelter space for our schools and staff. We will continue to update staff and families as new information about the storm and its potential impacts becomes available. Visit our website at sarasotacountyschools.net and follow our social media channels to stay updated,” said Terry Connor, superintendent of schools.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:
