Pensacola Times

Latest storm/incident developments

The National Hurricane Center has placed Pinellas County in the five-day cone of uncertainty for the approach of Subtropical Storm Nicole.

Pinellas County response/action

• Pinellas County monitoring track of Subtropical Storm Nicole.
• Pinellas County Public Works checking and preparing the County’s stormwater drainage system to reduce the risk of flooding.
• Web updates to be posted online at disaster.pinellas.gov, on Facebook @PinellasGov and Twitter @PinellasGov.

Advice & Information for Residents

Prepare for tropical storm-force winds:

• Before the arrival of winds secure outdoor furniture or other items that may be picked up by the wind. 
• Clean up any piles of branches so they do not become flying debris. 
• Older mobile homes may be more vulnerable to tropical storm force winds.  Consider seeking shelter with friends or family in a stronger structure.  
• Sign up for the Special Needs Evacuation Assistance Program at pinellas.gov/special-needs if you are dependent on electricity or require medical assistance such as oxygen or assistance with routine care. 
• Do not drain your pool. Super-chlorinate the water and turn off all electricity to the pool for the duration of the storm. 

Residents in flood-prone areas:

• This storm is anticipated to produce two to four inches of rain on Wednesday evening into Thursday morning. If you live in a flood prone area, you may experience flooding.
• Move vehicles to higher ground. If your home is prone to flooding, move electrical appliances off the floor.
• Gather enough emergency supplies to shelter at home for several days and fully charge cell phone batteries in case of power outages.
• If flooding occurs inside a house, safely disconnect power sources.
• Never drive through standing water – turn around, don’t drown. Only 6 inches of fast-flowing water can sweep you off your feet and one foot can carry away cars.
• Avoid flood waters due to potential health hazards from bacteria, dangerous wildlife and submerged hazards that could entangle and drown people and pets.

Stay informed:

• Sign up for Alert Pinellas at www.pinellas.gov/alertpinellas and download the new Ready Pinellas app in the App Store or Google Play store for real-time storm updates.
• Monitor local news media, National Weather Service, disaster.pinellas.gov, Facebook @PinellasGov and Twitter @PinellasGov.
• Review tips and planning tools in the 2022 All Hazards Preparedness Guide online at www.pinellas.gov/all-hazards-preparedness-guide.

While evacuations are not currently anticipated for this storm, double-check your evacuation zone in one of the following ways:

• Visit disaster.pinellas.gov  
• Download the Ready Pinellas app
• Call (727) 453-3150 from a landline; enter 10-digit home phone number

Review disaster plans:

• Purchase necessary items to complete survival kit now
• Prepare kit and gather important papers
• Review checklist online at www.pinellas.gov/make-a-plan
• Register for special needs shelters by calling Emergency Management at (727) 582-2600 or by contacting local fire department
• Inspect and clear your gutters and nearby storm drain inlets of debris to help prevent flooding

Disaster Recovery Center for Hurricane Ian:

• The Disaster Recovery Center at the Lealman Exchange Community Center will be closed Wednesday through Friday.

Original source can be found here.