Tropical Storm Erika: Where to Get Local Information

As Tropical Storm Erika takes aim at Florida, emergency management officials from all over the state and Tampa Bay are urging residents to prepare just in case.

As of Friday morning, the storm, which had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, was expected to arrive on Florida’s shores by Monday morning. While the storm’s track is subject to change, forecasters anticipate Erika will move up the spine of Florida, bringing impacts to most of the state, including Tampa Bay.

Bay area residents are being asked to keep an eye on the weather and to start making plans for the possibility of heavy rain and strong, gusty winds. For detailed local information, including shelter and evacuation details should they become necessary, residents can turn to the emergency operations centers in their counties. The information is as follows:

Pinellas County

The county has put together an extensive list of resources available to residents on itswebsite. Residents can follow these links to access information on:

• Evacuation zones
• Creating disaster plans
• Shelters

The county’s full 2015 hurricane guide is also available for download by following this link.

Sarasota County

Residents will find the county’s emergency management website is the place to go for everything they need to know about surviving the season.

Follow these links for specific information on:

• Evacuation zones
• Shelter locations
• Getting Prepared

Manatee County

Manatee County Emergency Management office provides a wealth of information on its website. Follow these links for specific information on:

• Evacuation zones and route maps
• Shelters
• How to sign up for Code Red weather warnings

The county also has a 2015 disaster planning guide available for download.

Hillsborough County

The county’s Office of Emergency Management website offers everything residents here need to know to weather a storm. Follow these links for information on:

• Evacuation zones
• Shelters
• Planning

Pasco County

The county’s Office of Emergency Management website offers a variety of resources for the storm season. Follow these links for specific information on:

• Evacuation zones
• Getting prepared
• Shelters

The county has also prepared a Hurricane Guide that details what residents need to know. Download it by following this link.

Patch file photo