Residents Urged To Transition From Storm Preps To Sheltering As Eta Approaches Tampa Bay

Press release from the Pinellas County Government:

Nov. 11, 2020

Pinellas County officials are urging residents to conclude hurricane preparations and prepare to shelter in place Wednesday evening.

Tropical Storm Eta, moving faster than forecasted, is expected to bring heavy rain and 3 to 5 feet of storm surge as it arrives during the evening hours coupled with a higher than normal high tide. The winds and possible flood conditions will make driving unsafe and outdoor conditions dangerous.

Emergency Management staff recommends the following actions during the times of heaviest impact (7 p.m. – 12 a.m.) and overnight:

• Stay home. Only leave if absolutely necessary.
• Do not drive, walk or swim through flood waters.
• Call the County Information Center with questions, it will be open all night, (727) 464-4333.
• Call 911 in case of an emergency.
• Residents in low-lying or flood-prone areas may experience tidal flooding and should move cars and any other valuable belongings to higher ground or elevate them, especially:
  • Coastal Palm Harbor
  • Crystal Beach
  • Ozona
  • Unincorporated area in Upper Tampa Bay near Oldsmar
  • Tarpon Springs
  • Pinellas Park near the Cross Bayou Canal
  • Gulfport
  • Coastal neighborhoods along the Anclote River
• If choosing to shelter with relatives or friends, be sure to take appropriate COVID precautions: wear masks when around people you don’t live with, wash your hands frequently, maintain social distancing when possible.
• Pinellas County has two shelters open at community centers: Lealman Exchange (5175 45 St. N., St. Petersburg) and Ross Norton (1426 S. Martin Luther King. Jr. Ave., Clearwater)

The storm is expected to move quickly but may cause extensive damage. Residents may see downed power lines, do not touch them, instead call Duke Energy at 1-800-POWER-ON.

Pinellas County damage assessment teams will begin their work when conditions permit. Many agencies including Pinellas County Government offices, schools and businesses are remaining closed Thursday to keep roads empty to allow those crews to safely assess the entire county.

This press release was produced by the Pinellas County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.