Tampa Bay Emergency Centers Prepare For Tropical Storm Laura

TAMPA BAY, FL — Tampa Bay emergency operations centers in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties are monitoring Tropical Storm Laura after the National Hurricane Center placed Tampa Bay in the five-day forecast for the storm.

Gradual strengthening is forecast and the depression is expected to become a tropical storm on Friday. Currently, maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts.

The depression is moving toward the west-northwest at 21 mph and this movement is expected to continue for the next few days. On the forecast track, the depression is expected to move near or north of the northern Leeward Islands by late Friday, near or north of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Saturday, and near or north of Hispaniola Saturday night.

The depression is expected to produce 1 to 3 inches of rain with isolated maximum totals of 5 inches over the northern Leeward Islands, and maximum totals of 3 to 6 inches over Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands through Sunday.

Regardless of the storm’s eventual track, high winds, rain, and flooding or storm surge may affect Tampa Bay as early as Monday.

In Pinellas County, county crews are already preparing drainage systems and roadways to reduce the risk of flooding.

Pinellas County has opened its County Information Center for residents with questions. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 727-464-4333.

Pinellas residents are encouraged to look up their evacuation zone, preregister for special needs shelters by calling the County Information Center and sign up for pet shelters.

Pasco County is activating three sandbag stations that will be open around the clock:

• Pasco County Public Works (C-Barn): 30908 Warder Road, San Antonio
• Magnolia Valley Golf Course Clubhouse: 7223 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey
• Pasco Fire Rescue Station 17: 2951 Seven Springs Blvd., New Port Richey

Sand and bags will be provided. Residents must bring their own shovel.

Meanwhile, Pasco County Public Works is deploying pumps throughout the county ahead of the potential bad weather. Those living in low-lying areas should monitor the storm's path closely and consider evacuating, said Pasco emergency officials.

Residents throughout Tampa Bay should also:

• Monitor the National Hurricane Center.
• Review your disaster plan.
• Purchase necessary items to complete survival kit now.
• Prepare your kit. Be sure to include face coverings, sanitizer and necessary hygiene supplies, and gather important papers.