Pinellas Officials Monitor Tropical Storm Elsa, Urge Preparation

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Pinellas County is monitoring the forecast track and preparing for the potential impacts from Tropical Storm Elsa.

County crews have begun preparing drainage systems and roadways to reduce the risk of flooding.

The National Hurricane Center has placed Pinellas County within the possible five-day track of the storm.

Although the track is still uncertain, the storm could bring high winds, rain and flooding or storm surge to Pinellas County as early as Monday.

Pinellas County Emergency Management Department officials have opened the County Information Center at 727-464-4333 for questions about hurricane preparedness until 7 p.m. and are urging residents to review their hurricane preparedness plans.

Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the information center via online chat at bit.ly/PinellasChat.

Residents should know their evacuation zone and have a plan to shelter in place or leave their home.

Residents should download the Alert Pinellas app for iOS or Android.

Those who have only landlines can call 727-453-3150 and enter their 10-digit phone number to be to receive Pinellas County alerts.

Monitor local news media, the National Weather Service or Pinellas County Facebook or Twitter sites for news.

Review tips and planning tools in the 2021-22 All Hazard Guide, which includes shelter options including pet-friendly shelters, registering for special needs shelters and special needs transportation assistance, Pinellas County evacuation zones and flood zones, how to protect your home or business, how to put together an emergency hurricane kit and a storm preparation checklist.

Prepare your emergency hurricane kit. Purchase items that are missing and be sure to include hygiene supplies including face masks and sanitizers as well as important papers.

Review the Pinellas County emergency checklist for homes, families and vehicles.