Pasco Keeping Eye on Tropical Storm Andrea's Progress

Pasco County officials aren’t taking Tropical Storm Andrea lightly.

The county plans to activate its Emergency Operations Center at noon Thursday, June 6 and will keep it open until midnight, or at least until the weather clears, officials decided at a Thursday morning meeting. The center will be minimally staffed.

Officials gathered in the EOC received an update from the National Weather Service Thursday morning.

Forecasters predicted 3-5 inches of rain falling north of Sarasota. There could be localized spots that see 8 inches. We could also see a storm surge between 2-4 feet. Winds are expected to pick up Thursday afternoon.

Mike Garrett, Pasco’s Public Works director, raised the prospect we might see more rainfall than projected.

“I’m always worried about it,” he said.

Last year, Tropical Storm Debby dumped a deluge of rain on West Pasco that resulted in flooding above the 100-year flood level, home evacuations and one reported death in Pasco. 

Garrett said he's brought in a pump to Thousand Oaks suubdivision in Trinity to address flooding concerns and that he is awaiting 10 more.

Forecasters aren’t too concerned about river flooding at this time.

The county remains under a Tropical Storm Warning and a Flood Watch is in effect. 

The county is opening its Resident Information line up at 727-847-2411/8959. Residents with questions can call that number for help.

See Also:

• Latest Info: Tropical Storm Andrea's Impact on Land O' Lakes