TAMPA, Fla. – In a continued effort to help residents prepare for potential flooding from Tropical Storm Elsa, the City of Tampa is extending free sandbag distribution to the public from 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, July 6 while supplies last at the following locations:
- Al Barnes Park South, 2902 N. 32nd St.
- Himes Avenue Complex, 4501 S. Himes Ave.
- MacFarlane Park, 1700 North MacDill Avenue
Thousands of sandbags have been distributed so far at these locations today.
Tampa residents are limited to 10 bags per family and should bring an ID such as a drivers license or utility bill to verify their residency.
Shelters and Evacuations
- Hillsborough County has not opened any shelters or issued any evacuation orders at this time.
Actions Residents Should Take:
- A Storm Surge Warning and a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the Tampa Bay area. Residents should finalize hurricane preparedness plans for expected tropical storm-force winds and the potential for life-threatening flooding in the next 36 hours. Storm surge forecasts are currently 1-3 feet above ground.
- Residents should make a plan, get a kit, and stay informed. Learn more at: tampa.gov/TampaReady
- Residents and visitors should pay close attention to weather forecasts and make decisions accordingly. According to the National Weather Service, there is a risk of storm surge, wind, and rainfall impacts for portions of the Florida Peninsula as early as Monday; however, the forecast uncertainty remains larger than usual due to Elsa’s potential interaction with Cuba.
- Residents can also text TAMPAREADY to 888-777 or TAMPALISTA (for Spanish) to 888-777 to receive real-time emergency text alerts.
- Review storm preparedness plans and disaster kit contents. Hillsborough County’s 2021 Disaster Preparedness Guide, accessed via HCFLGov.net/StaySafe, is available in English and Spanish and contains comprehensive information on how to prepare for any hazard.
- Tropical storms have the potential to bring damaging winds and heavy rain that could last many hours. Prepare your home by cleaning out gutters and drainpipes, trimming trees and hedges if needed, and securing or putting away loose objects such as outdoor furniture, birdbaths, and potted plants.
- Know if you live in an evacuation zone. Visit HCFLGov.net/StaySafe for a link to Hillsborough County’s Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool (HEAT).
This simple tool assists residents in determining if they live in one of the County’s five evacuation zones.
Even if Tropical Storm Elsa has little impact on Tampa, it’s wise to keep in mind that the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season began only a month ago, and that the peak of the season in our region is yet to come.
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