Tampa Bay Within 'Cone Of Uncertainty' For Subtropical Storm Nicole

TAMPA BAY, FL — Emergency management officials are closely monitoring Subtropical Storm Nicole after the National Hurricane Center in Miami placed Tampa Bay counties within the "cone of uncertainty," indicating that Tampa Bay could be in the storm's path.

At 6 p.m., the National Weather Service issued tropical storm watches for Highlands, Polk, Hardee, DeSoto and Sumter counties.

Residents are advised to review preparedness plans and monitor the storm for the latest updates.

Pinellas County Public Works reported that it has begun checking and preparing the county's stormwater drainage system to reduce the risk of flooding.

Residents should prepare for tropical storm-force winds by:

• Securing outdoor furniture or other items that may be picked up by the wind.
• Cleaning up any piles of branches so they do not become flying debris.
• Making plans to seek shelter in a stronger structure with friends or family is you live in an older mobile home.
• Signing up for special needs programs if you are dependent on electricity or require medical assistance such as oxygen or assistance with routine care.
• Super-chlorinating pool water and turning off all electricity to the pool during the storm.

This storm is anticipated to produce 2 to 4 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.

Related story: Nicole Hurricane Watch In Effect, 34 FL Counties In Emergency Status

• 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. 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.
• Inspect and clear your gutters and nearby storm drain inlets of debris to help prevent flooding.

Residents should sign up for their county's emergency alert systems and monitor the National Weather Service and local news media.

• Pinellas County emergency alerts
• Pasco County emergency alerts
• Polk County emergency alerts
• Hillsborough County emergency alerts