Hurricane Helene update, Sept. 26
Currently, Helene is a Category 2 storm. The City’s Emergency Operations Center is open and actively monitoring the storm 24/7. The Emergency Call Center can be reached at 941-429-7000 or you can call Sarasota County by dialing 311. Text “NPStrong” to 888777 to receive City of North Port emergency text alerts on your phone.
Sarasota County is under a tornado watch until 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26.
Sarasota County is calling for the evacuation of Level A. This includes vessels, RVs, mobile and manufactured homes. If you are going to evacuate, please do so now.
Rest assured we are here to support you throughout this event. We will continue to provide updates and share relevant resources as more information becomes available. Bookmark NorthPortFL.gov/Alerts for the latest local information.
Latest news
City offices closed
City offices & facilities are closed Thursday, Sept. 26. This includes North Port Parks & Rec facilities and records & fingerprinting services at the North Port Police Department.
The code enforcement hearing scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26, at City Hall is postponed and rescheduled for Oct. 24.
Solid Waste pickups
Solid Waste pickups are suspended Thursday, Sept. 26, for City of North Port customers. All of Thursday’s trash, recycling and yard waste pickups are expected to take place Friday. All Friday pickups will be collected Saturday. This is based on the current status of the Sarasota County landfill and is subject to change.
Stormwater management
Water levels are continuously being monitored and adjusted throughout the City's stormwater management system. Public Works crews take these actions ahead of every storm. To learn more about how our system works, visit NorthPortFL.gov/Stormwater.
 Pictured: Rising water levels by Tarpon Point along the Myakka River due to Hurricane Helene.
Storm Surge
Due to the large size of Hurricane Helene, there is a danger of life-threatening storm surge along the entire west coast of Florida and the Big Bend area. Storm surge in Sarasota County is expected to be between 4 feet and 7 feet. Be prepared -- during a storm surge event stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or television stations and listen carefully for any advisories or specific instructions from local officials.
North Port may experience ponding on local roads during and after storm events. Never drive through standing water – turn around, don’t drown!
The Emergency Operations Center is monitoring local weather impacts. Emergency services, which include medical and police response, will be suspended when sustained winds in the area exceed 45 mph, which makes conditions unsafe for emergency personnel to respond. Sarasota County is calling for the evacuation of Level A. This includes vessels, RVs, mobile and manufactured homes. If you are going to evacuate, please do so now.
Resources
Sign up for Alert Sarasota County to receive helpful emergency notifications directly to your phone or email.
Sarasota County Government has called for evacuations for Level A and manufactured home communities. In North Port, this includes residences near the Myakka River. Evacuation Centers opened at noon Wednesday. Click on this link to find your level.
WKDW 97.5 FM is now the official emergency broadcast partner of the City of North Port. For updates during hurricanes and other emergencies, tune in to 97.5 FM or visit wkdw975fm.com for the latest information.
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