Hurricane Helene Update #9

(Picture of current flooding on Sunset Beach)

UPDATE: Sept. 26 | 8:15 a.m.
Hurricane Helene is now a category 2 storm and is located about 320 miles southwest of the Tampa Bay area.

• A Storm Surge Warning, Tropical Storm Warning, Hurricane Watch, Flood Watch and Tornado Watch are in effect for Pinellas County.
• The weather will continue to deteriorate throughout the day.
• Storm surge flooding of four to seven feet is forecasted across coastal areas of Pinellas County late tonight (09/26). Elevated coastal waters are forecast to last 24 to 36 hours into Friday evening (09/27).

For those residents who chose to stay:

• If water begins to enter your home, if you can safely, turn off the power immediately.

What to do after the storm:

Do not drive through flooded roadways:

• Don't drive through flooded streets - you may push water into neighbors’ properties or risk your car getting stuck.
• The road may have collapsed under that water. 
• It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks.
• It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.

Do not wade in flood waters:

• It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet.
• Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed-out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc.
• Flood waters could be contaminated.

After storm:

• Use a generator safely. Keep generators in well-ventilated locations outside, away from all doors, windows and vent openings. Never use a generator in a garage, even with the door open.  
• Photograph and list all damaged or lost items, including their age and value where possible. Take photos of how high the water was in the house. After photographing, remove any wet contents as soon as possible to prevent mold. Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.
• Contact your insurance agent and file your insurance claim as soon as possible. Learn more at pinellas.gov/flood-insurance
• Report damage to your home or business at disaster.pinellas.gov.
• Avoid downed power lines. Report downed lines to the power company if you are able.
• Treat an intersection as a four-way stop sign if traffic lights are not working. 
• 9-1-1 is for reporting life-threatening emergencies only – not damages or power outages. 
• Report issues by calling 727-547-4575 or visiting MyTreasureIsland.com/Issues.
• Find out what you need to obtain a permit for after a storm by visiting www.mytreasureisland.org/residents/departments/community_improvement/index.php

Updates continue at MyTreasureIsland.com/Helene, on all social media channels and here, email notifications.