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Important Hurricane Helene Updates

Mandatory Evacuation for Zone A and All Mobile Homes

Pinellas County residents in Evacuation Zone A and mobile homes should already have evacuated or be in the final stages of getting to higher ground. Evacuate before storm surge flooding makes roads impassable, stranding people in areas expected to be inundated by this afternoon and into the evening.  

The National Weather Service continues to forecast storm surge levels of 5 to 8 feet later today, enough to easily inundate the first floor of a home or wash away a vehicle. As of 9 a.m., street flooding was already making travel hazardous on barrier islands and other coastal and low-lying areas, and the flooding is forecast to get much worse throughout the day and overnight.

Staying put in a Zone A high-rise condo or hotel is not a safe option as building utility and electrical systems are often on the ground floor and could cause a fire when flooded.

Resources to Evacuate

Free Parking Garage

Residents may park their vehicles overnight at Pinellas County Government Parking Garage, 310 South Fort Harrison Ave. until Monday, Sept. 30.

Free Uber Rides

The State of Florida has also partnered with Uber, so individuals can use code HELENERELIEF to obtain a $40 voucher for up to two trips to a state-approved shelter, if it is safe to do so. To unlock the code: go to “Account”, select “Wallet” or “Payment,” and then “Add Promo Code” at the end of the page.

Hotel Accommodations

You can also view available hotels that are in non-evacuation zones in the area by clicking below. This information is subject to change and will be updated as often as possible during the emergency period.

Warnings, Watches and State of Emergency

• Pinellas County remains under a Storm Surge Warning, Tropical Storm Warning, Hurricane Watch, Flood Watch and Tornado Watch.
• Even though Hurricane Helene is currently forecast to pass offshore of Pinellas County, it is anticipated to bring tropical storm force winds and life-threatening storm surge flooding of 5-8 feet and flash flooding to our area. As of 8 a.m., some Clearwater Beach streets were already starting to flood.
• High winds are expected throughout the county. The biggest impacts are expected Thursday, Sept. 26, with dangerous storm surge impacts continuing after the storm exits the area.
• The current storm surge forecast calls for a higher, longer duration than Tampa Bay experienced during Hurricane Idalia last year.
• High tide on Thursday, Sept. 25, will occur around 8 p.m. and is expected to impact our coastal community.
• The Clearwater City Council announced an emergency proclamation for the city of Clearwater. Read it here.(PDF, 261KB) The state of Florida and Pinellas County also declared a state of emergency.

Report Storm Damage

Report storm damage in your neighborhood or in the community through Clearwater Connect, the city's online reporting system. For immediate  emergencies, always call 911. Use the "Hurricane Helene" category.

Storm Preparedness Questions

Pinellas County's Citizen Information Center is open 24 hours for preparedness questions. Call (727) 464-4333. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the center via online chat at www.bit.ly/PinellasChat.

Shelters

• Six shelters are open for residents who need to evacuate and do not have a safe place to stay with family or friends. None of them are in Clearwater at this time.
• If you can shelter safely outside of the evacuation zones, either at home, in a hotel, or with a friend or family member, please do so. Hotel accommodation information can be found at visitstpeteclearwater.com/info/pre-storm-information.
• If an emergency shelter is your best option, pack essential items but pack light. Space is very limited.
• Pinellas County Emergency Management is coordinating directly with the staff of residential healthcare facilities in Evacuation Zone A. Currently, 26 such facilities are ordered to evacuate.
• Special needs evacuation registration has ended in Pinellas County. 

Schools Are Closed Today and Friday

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