PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – Pinellas County is under multiple weather warnings as Tropical Storm Helene is expected to rapidly strengthen into a major hurricane and make landfall in Florida on Thursday. The forecast predicts a potentially historic storm surge for the Tampa Bay area.
Evacuations for special needs registrants will begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. A decision regarding a general evacuation order for Zone A residents will be made on Wednesday morning, with additional shelter information to be announced then. Hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities in Zone A have already been ordered to evacuate.
Read: AccuWeather: Life-Threatening Conditions As Hurricane Helene Approaches Florida Gulf Coast
The County Information Center is available 24 hours a day for preparedness questions at (727) 464-4333. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the CIC via online chat at www.bit.ly/PinellasChat.
Read: Hurricane Warning Issued For Florida Gulf Coast From Pasco County To Bay County
Residents can check their evacuation zone by visiting disaster.pinellas.gov, downloading the Ready Pinellas app, calling the County Information Center, or using the online chat for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Evacuations:
- Special needs residents will begin evacuating at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
- A decision on a general evacuation order for Zone A residents will be made Wednesday morning.
- Hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities in Zone A have already been ordered to evacuate.
- Stay Informed:
- The County Information Center is open 24/7 for questions: (727) 464-4333.
- Online chat for deaf or hard of hearing residents: www.bit.ly/PinellasChat
- Check your evacuation zone:
- Visit disaster.pinellas.gov
- Download the Ready Pinellas app
- Call the County Information Center
Key Points:
- Hurricane Helene poses a significant threat to Pinellas County.
- Evacuations are underway for vulnerable populations.
- Residents are urged to check their evacuation zones and stay informed.
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