Pinellas Declares State Of Emergency Ahead Of Tropical Storm Elsa

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — During an emergency meeting Sunday afternoon, the Pinellas County Commission declared a state of local emergency ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Elsa.

The decision came after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 15 counties in the forecast track for Tropical Storm Elsa, including Pinellas County.

Read the governor's order declaring a state of emergency.

The emergency declaration gives the county administrator and emergency managers the ability to quickly take certain actions to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community, and provides a path for federal reimbursement of certain expenses.

Tropical Storm Elsa's forecast track, future intensity and potential time of arrival remain uncertain. Nevertheless, Pinellas County Emergency Management is urging residents and visitors to prepare for possible flooding and power outages.

See Patch for updates on Tropical Storm Elsa.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami has extended a tropical storm watch along the west coast of Florida from Flamingo north to the Anclote River, including Tampa Bay, as the now-downgraded Tropical Storm Elsa is forecast to move near or over portions of the west coast of Florida on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Additionally, a storm surge watch has been issued for the west coast of Florida from Bonita Beach north to the Suwannee River with estimates of storm surge ranging from 2 to 4 feet above normal tide levels.

Regardless of Elsa's eventual track, high winds, rain and flooding or storm surge may affect Pinellas County Tuesday.

Residents in low-lying or flood-prone areas should make a plan in case of flooding.

No county sandbag operations are anticipated at this time.

Pinellas County road crews are standing by to clear roads after the storm.

Actions Residents Should Take

• Make a plan now in case you need to shelter in place or leave your home. Locate your evacuation zone here.
• Review storm preparedness plans.
• 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.