Friday, November 22, 2024
60.1 F
Largo

Milton develops into a major hurricane as it approaches the west coast of Florida

TROPICAL-STORM-FORCE WINDS JUST OFFSHORE THE WEST COAST OF 
FLORIDA...
...100 PM EDT POSITION UPDATE...

Milton is currently moving north-northeastward or 030/15 kt. A turn
towards the northeast is anticipated with a slower forward speed
later this evening.

Tropical-storm-force winds are just offshore and now is the time to
stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready
in case you lose electrical power. Keep a battery-powered radio,
charged cell phone and flashlight handy.

The next update will be with the intermediate advisory at 200 PM EDT
(1800 UTC).

SUMMARY OF 100 PM EDT...1700 UTC...INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...26.2N 84.2W
ABOUT 145 MI...235 KM W OF FT. MYERS FLORIDA
ABOUT 160 MI...260 KM SW OF TAMPA FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...145 MPH...230 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NE OR 35 DEGREES AT 17 MPH...28 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...935 MB...27.61 INCHES

Updates will be posted below in the order received

Pinellas County opens new shelters as more residents evacuate for Hurricane Milton

NHC forecasts 10 to 15 feet of storm surge, stronger winds than Hurricane Helene

In a media briefing this afternoon, Pinellas County officials urged residents in Evacuation Zones A, B, C, and mobile homes, as well as residents with special medical needs, to evacuate now if they have not already. The mandatory evacuation order applies to more than 500,000 Pinellas County residents.

The County announced the opening of two more emergency shelters as of 3:30 p.m. at Melrose Elementary at 1752 13th Ave. South in St. Petersburg and Belleair Elementary at 1156 Lakeview Road in Clearwater, bringing the total to 10 emergency shelters. Special needs and pet-friendly shelters are available. The complete shelter list can be found at disaster.pinellas.gov. More than 5,000 people are currently in shelters in Pinellas County.

The National Hurricane Center is currently forecasting 10 to 15 feet of storm surge for Pinellas County between Wednesday and Thursday, which “is unimaginable for our coastal communities and not survivable,” said Pinellas County Emergency Management Director Cathie Perkins.

The storm is also expected to bring 5 to 12 inches of rain, with isolated amounts of up to 18 inches. Grounds are already saturated, which is likely to lead to downed trees. Inland flooding of low-lying areas outside the evacuation zone is also likely, especially in places that flooded during Tropical Storm Debby.

“Some of us may have had it in the backs of our minds that it’s going to turn or it’s going to miss us,” Perkins said. “Whether it’s a direct hit or it moves slightly, we are going to get hit, and it’s going to be hard.” In addition to more storm surge, Hurricane Milton is forecast to bring the strongest winds Pinellas County has seen in more than 100 years, much stronger than Hurricane Helene. These winds especially pose a risk to mobile home residents. The community center in a mobile home park may not be a safe place to stay.

Additional updates:

• Residents who live around Lake Tarpon are at risk for flooding. The Southwest Water Management District has released as much water out of Lake Tarpon as possible. Storm surge will enter the lake and cause severe flooding all around the lake and the Tarpon Outfall Canal. If you live around Lake Seminole, you could also experience storm surge flooding.

• Access to barrier islands will be closed to everyone at 7 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, Oct. 8.

• Pinellas County Utilities will restrict potable water service on the barrier islands beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from Sand Key south to Fort De Soto due to Hurricane Milton. Customers will experience very low pressure after this time.

• Pinellas County’s Special Needs Evacuation Program will stop taking new registrants at 4 p.m. today. To register for the Special Needs Evacuation Program, call the County Information Center at (727) 464-4333 before 4 p.m.

• PSTA will continue to provide free rides to shelters on the Pinellas mainland until 7 p.m. Pets are allowed on the bus: cats and small dogs in a crate; large dogs on a muzzle leash. For the latest information on PSTA bus service, call the InfoLine at (727) 540-1900.

• The State of Florida is also offering free shuttles to shelters. Reservations are not required. Times and locations can be found at FloridaDisaster.org/Updates (see “Evacuation Assistance”). Call 800-729-3413 for more information.

• Residents with questions or concerns can call our County Information Center at 727-464-4333 (open 24/7).

UPDATES ON BRIDGES IN THE TAMPA BAY AREA
Posted 4pm 10/8/2024

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the City of Tampa, and the City of Clearwater are working together to inform the public about the timing of significant bridge closures in the Tampa Bay area due to hazardous conditions. FDOT, FHP, and local officers will have people and equipment on-site to close the bridges. Residents should consider potential bridge closures when planning evacuation routes and timing. Remember that there may come a time when evacuating using these bridges is no longer safe or possible. 

To inform the approaching public, message boards will have notices stating whether bridges are closed.  When bridges close in advance of a storm making landfall, law enforcement, and traffic resources may be present to guide motorists; however, there will be a time when it is no longer safe for personnel (FDOT Crews, Troopers, and Officers) or any physical barriers that close the bridges to be on site.

The public is NOT allowed to cross the bridges once they are closed and should NOT cross them, even if there are no physical barriers or officers present. 

  • Sunshine Skyway Bridge –The Sunshine Skyway Bridge will close when sustained wind speeds exceed 45 mph—based on that, they anticipate a full closure of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge by Wednesday afternoon. 
  • FHP monitors the Howard Frankland and Gandy bridges. FDOT is notified when water encroaches on the approaches. FDOT crews work to close these bridges when FHP deems it necessary for safety. We also anticipate it may become necessary to close by Wednesday afternoon. 
  • Courtney Campbell Causeway—The Tampa Police Department and the Clearwater Police Department monitor this bridge. FDOT will work with these agencies to close it when the water gets close to the approaches and becomes unsafe for travel. We also anticipate that it may become necessary to close it by Wednesday afternoon. 

    Following the landfall of Hurricane Milton and proper safety inspections, Tampa Bay area bridges will be reopened as soon as possible. Real-time updates on bridge closures and openings can be found on www.FL511.com.  

Pinellas County Communications
Posted 4 pm 10/8/2024

Potable water service is to be restricted on barrier islands on Wednesday. Barrier Island residents urged to evacuate for their safety

Pinellas County Utilities will restrict potable water service on the barrier islands beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from Sand Key south to Fort De Soto due to Hurricane Milton. Customers will experience very low pressure after this time.

This restriction will take effect following the complete closure of the barrier islands at 7 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, Oct. 8. Pinellas County is asking anyone who has not yet evacuated to do so now.

Potable water is being limited to protect critical infrastructure and reduce strain on our water and wastewater systems. County substations are still undergoing repairs caused by damages from Hurricane Helene.

This restriction will also affect water service to fire lines, which means fire rescue crews will not have quick access to water from fire hydrants in the event of a fire. Evacuees are advised to turn off the power to their homes before leaving to reduce the risk of an electrical fire due to flood inundation.

Pinellas County Schools
Posted 8 AM – October 8, 2024

Pinellas County Schools is working closely with Pinellas County Emergency Management to monitor the path of Hurricane Milton and the possible impact on our region.  All Pinellas County Schools and offices will now be CLOSED from Monday, October 7, through Friday, October 11. All sports and school activities scheduled for those dates are canceled.


No room for waiting. 8 to 12 foot surge possible. MANDATORY ZONE A, ZONE B, ZONE C and mobile homes. Over 500,000 residents

disaster.pinellas.gov to check your evacuation zone

Barrier island bridges will be closed at 7pm tonight with exceptions of residents , ride share operators and business owners. 7pm Tuesday, all access will be closed.


Pinellas County opens six emergency shelters in advance of Hurricane Milton
Mandatory evacuation ordered for special needs residents in zones A, B, and C

Pinellas County is opening six emergency shelters in advance of Hurricane Milton. Effective at noon today, Monday, Oct. 7, the following shelters will be open

• Largo High School (general population and pet friendly), 410 Missouri Ave. N., Largo

• Gibbs High School (general population and pet friendly), 850 34th St. S., St. Petersburg

• Palm Harbor University High School (general population and pet friendly), 1900 Omaha St., Palm Harbor

• Palm Harbor University High School Bldg. 19 (special needs), 1900 Omaha St., Palm Harbor

• Dunedin Highland Middle School (special needs), 70 Patricia Ave., Dunedin

• Oak Grove Middle School (special needs), 1370 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater

Mandatory evacuations ordered for special needs residents
The County has issued mandatory evacuation orders for special needs and electrical-dependent residents in zones A, B, and C, effective at noon today. The County also recommends that special needs residents in evacuation zones D and E evacuate due to the risk of extended power and water outages.

Bus transportation will begin at noon for special needs residents who pre-registered with the County. Special needs residents who did not pre-register can call the County Information Center at (727) 464-4333. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the CIC through online chat at bit.ly/PinellasChat.

Additional evacuation orders are anticipated. The County is encouraging residents in evacuation zones A, B, C, and all mobile home residents to evacuate to a strong building on high ground. Depending on where Hurricane Milton makes landfall, storm surge could impact all three evacuation zones. High winds pose a serious threat to mobile homes, regardless of location.

Residents are encouraged to stay with family or friends outside of evacuation zones or use the emergency shelters. If leaving Pinellas County, be prepared for the possibility of not being able to return for days or longer if the storm compromises bridges and other routes.


St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport
Hurricane Milton Update – Airport to Close Tuesday after last flight and remain closed Wednesday and Thursday


Pinellas evacuations starting about 2 pm


Tolls have been lifted on roadways


If you’re evacuating, especially if due to flooding risk, we recommend turning off your electricity at the main breaker. This helps protect your electrical system, ensures personal safety and speeds up restoration efforts when it’s safe to return.

Electrical Vehicles
Move your electrical vehicle to higher ground. Anything with a lithium-ion battery, including golf carts, bikes, and scooters, can erupt in fire after contact with flood water.


HURRICANE WATCH IN EFFECT… STORM SURGE WATCH IN EFFECT… posted 6am 10/7

A Hurricane Watch means hurricane-force winds are possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours. A Storm Surge Watch means life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, is possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours.

WIND:

• Latest Local Forecast: Equivalent Cat 1 Hurricane force wind

• Peak Wind Forecast: 60-80 mph with gusts to 110 mph

• Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Wednesday morning until Thursday morning

• Window for Hurricane force winds: Wednesday afternoon until early Thursday morning

THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY:

• Potential for wind greater than 110 mph

• Plan: Plan for extreme wind of equivalent Cat 3 hurricane force or higher

• Prepare: Efforts to protect life and property should now be underway. Prepare for catastrophic wind damage

• Act: Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (Posted 7:26 p.m. 10/6/24)

The St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is awaiting Pinellas County Evacuation orders to announce when the Airport Terminal will close.  An announcement will be made as soon as a decision is made.

 Operations Status
Tuesday, October 8th – Contact airline for information.
Wednesday October 9th – All Allegiant flights cancelled.
Thursday, October 10th – All Allegiant flights cancelled.

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.

City of Dunedin (posted 7:20 p.m. 10/6/24)

The City of Dunedin is opening a self-service sandbag distribution site Monday, October 7, from 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., at the Jerry Lake Recreation Complex at 1601 Virginia St, Dunedin, FL 34698. From S.R. 580 take Achieva Way south to Jerry Lake Court. Go right to the Jerry Lake Recreation Complex (soccer fields).

The sandbag site is available to only to City of Dunedin residents and business owners with proof of residency: driver’s license or recent utility bill. There is a limit of 15 bags per resident or business owner. Sand, sandbags and shovels are available at the site. Assistance will be provided for those with special needs. Residents with leftover non-contaminated sandbags from Helene are encouraged to reuse them. 

Tips on how to properly fill and stack your sandbags 

·       Fill bags one-half to two-thirds of the way full  
·       Over-filled bags will result in a leaky sandbag wall
·       Stack sandbags so that the seams between the bags are staggered
·       Tuck the top of each bag under to ensure that that bag is sealed by its own weight 

NOTE: Sandbags are only recommended for residents who may experience flooding less than 15 inches from rain or tides. Sandbags won’t stop water completely, but they can reduce the amount of water entering your home. They will not protect against waves or storm surge associated with larger storms.  

Pinellas County Communications
Posted 5:29 pm – October 6, 2024

Pinellas County issues evacuation orders for health care facilities in zones A, B, C

Pinellas County landfill now open 24/7 at 34th Street gate for all storm debris

Pinellas County has issued mandatory evacuation orders for long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities and hospitals in evacuation zones A, B and C due to the threat posed by Hurricane Milton. This impacts six hospitals, 25 nursing homes and 44 assisted living facilities, totaling about 6,600 patients.

Pinellas County is in the potential path of the storm and could experience life-threatening storm surgelocalized flooding and hurricane force winds, depends on where the storm makes landfall on Wednesday. Many coastal areas have barely begun to recover from Hurricane Helene.

The mandatory orders are only for these facilities, but Pinellas County encourages voluntary evacuation for residents in Zones A, B, and C and mobile homes before possible mandatory orders on Monday. At-risk residents can evacuate only a few miles to higher ground and safe structures outside of Zone C. If evacuations are ordered, the County will open emergency shelters.

Latest storm/incident developments  

  • All Pinellas County Government offices, including the Clerk of the Courts, Property Appraiser and Tax Collector, will be closed Monday through Wednesday. All County parks and preserves will also be closed Monday through Wednesday.
  • Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections will be open to the public on Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for voter registration. They will be closed to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday.
  • The opening of a Disaster Recovery Center scheduled for Monday at the Florida Botanical Gardens, Magnolia Room, has been postponed due to the storm threat.

Pinellas County response/action 

  • The County Information Center (CIC) is open for preparedness questions. Call (727) 464-4333. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the CIC via online chat at bit.ly/PinellasChat   
  • Effective Sunday afternoon, the Florida Department of Emergency Management announced that anyone can take storm debris to the Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Facility via the 34th Street Gate. There is no charge for storm debris disposal and that gate will be open 24/7 until operations are shut down by Hurricane Milton.
  • Sandbag distribution sites remain open for the unincorporated county:
    • John Chesnut Park, 2200 East Lake Road S, Palm Harbor (Monday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 
    • Walsingham Park, 12615 102nd Ave., Seminole (Monday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
    • Note: Municipal residents should check with their cities for sandbag availability
  • Updates will be posted at disaster.pinellas.gov, sent out via Alert Pinellas and Ready Pinellas, and on Facebook @PinellasGov and X @PinellasGov; search hashtag #PCMilton
  • Now is the time to finalize your household’s preparedness plan. Find all the latest info at https://disaster.pinellas.gov. 

Advice & Information for Residents 

  • Move your electrical vehicle to higher ground now. Anything with a lithium-ion battery, including golf carts, bikes and scooters can erupt in fire after contact with flood water.
  • Make your plan: 
  • Purchase necessary items to complete your emergency kit, include everyone in your family including your pet(s). 
  • Prepare your home/business and gather important papers.  
  • If you have medical needs or require transportation assistance and are not already registered for the Special Needs Evacuation Program, call Emergency Management at (727) 464-3800. 
  • Know if you can shelter in place or if you may have to evacuate. Know what you will need, where you will go, and how long it will take.  
  • For more information on how to make your plan visit disaster.pinellas.gov.   

Pinellas County Media Briefing

Kathleen Peters from County Commission: Take storm seriously. Surge could be double what was experienced by Helene. Possibly no electric, sewer, or water. Get off barrier islands

Cathie Perkins from Emergency Management: TS winds possible Tuesday evening. Mandatory Evacuation orders for Health Facilities affecting ALFs and 6 hospitals. Possible 10 ft storm surge. Get off barrier islands, do not ride it out! Flooding may occur in Zones A, B, and even into C. Reach out to County Information Line at 727-464-4333 for questions

Sheriff Gualtieri: It is going to be bad… just get out! 12 died from last hurricane. Mandatory evacuation expected tomorrow. Possibly to include Zones A, B, and possibly C. Take advantage of your time now. Sheriff’s office will be much more assertive this time. Bars, restaurants and other facilities will be shut down.

Pinellas County Schools

Pinellas County Schools is working closely with Pinellas County Emergency Management to monitor the path of Tropical Storm Milton and the possible impact on our region.  All Pinellas County Schools and offices will be CLOSED from Monday, October 7, through Wednesday, October 9. All sports and school activities scheduled for those dates, are canceled. Posted 11:58am

St. Petersburg (sandbags)

Sandbag Operations Update: Full-service and self-service sandbag operations are open SUNDAY, OCT. 6, from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. to prep for next week’s possible weather impacts. **Note, we CANNOT operate the full-service sites in rain, thunderstorms, or lightning. Sites may close pending the weather outlook.

Self-Service Locations:
• Dell Homes Park – 2741 22nd St. S
• Fossil Park Northern Most Parking Lot – 6875 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St. N
• Walter Fuller Soccer Field Parking Lot – 2800 75th St. N
Full-Service Locations:
• Lake Maggiore Park Shelter Area – 3601 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St. S
• Northeast Park East Baseball Field Parking Lot – 955 62nd Ave. NE
• Northwest Swimming Pool Parking Lot Park – 2331 60th St. N
(Posted 7:45am 10/6/24)

Unincorporated Pinellas

Pinellas County residents only, the following sandbag locations will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6.

Please note: The parks will be closed to the public during sandbag operation 
hours. Residents are encouraged to bring their own shovel. 

John Chesnut Park, 2200 East Lake Road S., Palm Harbor
Walsingham Park, 12615 102nd Ave, Seminole 

Please note that sandbags are only effective in slow-moving water that is no more than 15 inches deep. Residents with sandbags from Hurricane Helene are encouraged to reuse them. 

Residents outside of unincorporated Pinellas County should check with each municipality for the latest sandbag site information and to confirm availability. Learn how to use sandbags and what other alternatives may be  available at disaster.pinellas.gov.

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