The page will be continually updated as information becomes available
…STORM SURGE WARNING IN EFFECT……TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT……HURRICANE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT……FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT…TORNADO WATCH IS IN EFFECT
The Air Force Hurricane Hunters found that the maximum sustained
winds have increased to near 120 mph (195 km/h). This makes
Helene a dangerous category 3 major hurricane. Additional
strengthening is expected before Helene makes landfall in the
Florida Big Bend this evening.
SUMMARY OF 225 PM EDT...1825 UTC...INFORMATION
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LOCATION...26.7N 84.9W
ABOUT 170 MI...280 KM WSW OF TAMPA FLORIDA
ABOUT 205 MI...335 KM S OF APALACHICOLA FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...120 MPH...195 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNE OR 25 DEGREES AT 16 MPH...26 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...959 MB...28.32 INCHES
SCANNER FEED FOR PINELLAS COUNTY
Try out our streaming scanner app at the link below. As Hurricane Helene passes, it will be available for limited channels in Pinellas County through Friday, 9/27/24.
Link to scanner feed: Go to https://scanner.iontb.com
*******The unlock code is the word – helene
The scanner’s documentation can be found at the link below. Please look at the document, as this feed differs significantly from other online scanner feeds.
https://iontb.com/streaming-scanner-documentation/
——-
Subscription information can be found at https://iontb.com/scanner-services/
Most recent updates will be posted below
Pinellas County (updated 5:30 p.m.)
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.
Pinellas County
Pinellas County has ended registration for new special needs transportation requests. Residents with special medical needs who still require transportation to a public shelter have several options:
PSTA will continue to offer free rides to shelters until the end of scheduled service on Wednesday.
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.
Otherwise, residents are encouraged to reach out to friends or neighbors for help getting transportation to a shelter before weather conditions become dangerous on Thursday morning. (updated 4:40 p.m.)
Tampa International Airport
Tampa International Airport will suspend all commercial and cargo operations beginning at 2 a.m. Thursday ahead of Hurricane Helene, the airport will remain closed to the public until it can assess any damage after the storm. (posted 12:30 p.m.)
Pinellas County
Sandbag distribution has ended for Unincorporated Pinellas County (posted 12:20 p.m. 9/25/2024)
St. Pete – Clearwater International Airport
The St. Pete – Clearwater International Airport Terminal Building will close after the last flight arrives on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. The airport plans to reopen on Friday, September 27, 2024. The airport is in a mandatory evacuation zone. (posted 12:15 p.m. 9/25/24)
National Hurricane Center
…HELENE BECOMES A HURRICANE…
…EXPECTED TO BRING LIFE-THREATENING STORM SURGE, DAMAGING WINDS,
AND FLOODING RAINS TO A LARGE PORTION OF FLORIDA AND THE
SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES… (posted 11 a.m.)
Pinellas County
Pinellas County has issued a mandatory evacuation for Zone A and all mobile homes across the county starting at 9 a.m. today, Wednesday, Sep. 25, 2024. Six shelters are open, including pet-friendly and special needs shelters. Check your evacuation zone and view the shelter list. PSTA bus rides to shelters are free.
Below is a list of shelters. Do you know your zone? If not, look it up here at https://kyz.pinellas.gov/
Pinellas County Information Center: Open – Call (727) 464-4333
Special needs assistance: Call (727) 464-4333 to register.
Pinellas County Schools
September 24, 2024 – 10:30 AM Update
Pinellas County Schools is working closely with Pinellas County Emergency Management in preparation for the tropical system predicted to impact our community. Therefore, all Pinellas County Schools and offices will be CLOSED on Wednesday, September 25 through Thursday, September 26. All sports and school activities scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, through Thursday, September 26, are canceled.
Sports and activities scheduled for Tuesday, September 24 will occur as scheduled. Activities at sites designated as shelters may be altered.
Sandbags
Unincorporated Pinellas County: John Chesnut Park, 2200 East Lake Road S., Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday from 7 a.m. to noon. Note: John Chesnut Park will otherwise be closed to the public during sandbag operation hours. Sandbags are limited to 10 per household. Residents are encouraged to bring shovels
Largo: The City of Largo is NOT distributing sandbags.
Pinellas and City of Clearwater: Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex, 2450 Drew Street, Clearwater; sunrise to sunset on Tuesday and 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday. Unincorporated Pinellas and City of Clearwater residents only. Residents are encouraged to bring their own shovel.
Cities
City residents: Bring proof of residency. For the latest updates on city sandbag sites, visit your city’s website.
Belleair – Tuesday, Sept. 24, 12–6 p.m. (while supplies last). Varona Street, between the athletic fields.
Clearwater – North Beach (Juanita Way and Bay Esplanade) and Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex (2450 Drew St.) Tuesday, Sept. 24, from sunrise to sunset and Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon. https://www.myclearwater.com/My-Government/0-City-Departments/Emergency-Management/Latest-Storm-Information
Dunedin – Tuesday, Sept. 24, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Highlander Park
Gulfport – Monday, Sept. 23, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Tuesday, Sept 24th, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at 49th St. Neighborhood Center at 1617 49th St. S. City residents only, bring proof of residency.
Indian Rocks Beach –Tuesday, Sept. 24, 12 p.m. to sunset and Wednesday, Sept. 25, at City Hall. City residents only.
Madeira Beach – 505 150th Ave. https://madeirabeachfl.gov/question/where-do-i-get-sand-bags/#/city/answers/hurricanes/where-do-i-get-sand-bags
Pinellas Park – Tuesday, Sept. 24, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 25, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 6151 78th Ave N. and Helen Howarth Park at 6301 94th Ave.
Redington Beach – Sandbag information: https://townofredingtonbeach.com/2024/09/23/flood-watch-in-effect-sand-and-sandbags-available/
Redington Shores – Currently open at Town Hall, 17425 Gulf Blvd.
Safety Harbor – Tuesday Sept 24th, 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at 1200 Railroad Ave. City residents only, bring proof of residency.
South Pasadena – Currently open at City Hall Annex Building, 6940 Hibiscus Ave S.
St. Pete Beach – Currently open at Egan Park. City residents only.
St. Petersburg – Tuesday, Sept, 24th, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 25th, 7 a.m. – noon. https://www.stpete.org/residents/public_safety/sandbags.php
Tarpon Springs – Will open Tuesday, Sept 24th https://www.ctsfl.us/emergency-management/
Hillsborough County Schools
Schools closed on Wednesday and Thursday
PASCO COUNTY SCHOOLS
Wednesday, September 25, 2024:
Schools will open as planned.
All after-school activities and events are canceled for shelter and storm
preparation.
ASEP/PLACE activities will continue as usual.
Thursday, September 26, 2024:
All district offices and schools will be closed, including after-school
programs, ASEP, and PLACE.
Friday, September 27, 2024:
Schools are expected to reopen, pending storm conditions. Further updates will
be provided as information becomes available.
Pasco County Schools appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation
as they work to ensure the safety of all families.