Tampa Republic

Tampa city leaders will provide an update on the storm as Hurricane Helene passes by the Tampa Bay region and conditions worsen.

Gaining strength as it moves up the Florida Gulf Coast, Hurricane Helene is creating potentially life-threatening conditions for communities along the state's western coastline, including Tampa Bay.

Along with tropical storm force winds, heavy rainfall, and fast-moving thunderstorms with embedded tornadoes, state weather officials warn that storm surge could be anywhere from 5 to 8 feet for the Tampa Bay area.

As of 7:00 A.M., the Emergency Operations Center has been fully activated, with all city leadership on site. They are ensuring that all departments, from public safety to infrastructure, are working in unison.

Residents who have storm-related questions can call the city's Emergency Hotline at 1 (833) TPA INFO (872-4636). It will be open from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, September 26. Just yesterday, call takers answered more than 100 calls.

As the storm moves through, city officials urge residents to remain indoors and avoid driving. Heavy rainfall and storm surge can lead to flash flooding even after the storm passes. The Tampa Police Department has strategically placed its high-water vehicles in flood-prone areas. However, residents are urged to take precaution and never drive through water. Residents can check tampa.gov/floodmaps to view flooded streets as they are reported and confirmed to the Tampa Police and Mobility departments.

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