Pinellas County prepares for anticipated severe weather

Sandbags will be made available to county residents

Pinellas County Emergency Management is monitoring developing weather with our partners at the National Weather Service and preparing for anticipated severe weather, forecast to begin late Sunday, June 5, and continue throughout the day on Monday, June 6.

County public works staff is clearing ditches throughout the county in anticipation of heavy stormwater runoff.

The National Weather Service is predicting heavy rain, which could present the possibility of flooding in some parts of Pinellas County. Further tropical storm development remains possible.

Residents are encouraged to limit road travel on Monday, June 6, if possible.

Pinellas County will offer sandbags for residents of Pinellas County on Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5 from 7 a.m. to sunset, at the following county parks:
• John Chesnut Park, 2200 East Lake Road, Palm Harbor.
• John Taylor Park, 1100 8th Ave. S.W., Largo.
• Lealman Community Park, 3890 55th Ave. N., St. Petersburg.

For more information on sandbags, visit www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/sandbags.htm

Residents will need to fill and transport their own bags. Pinellas County will provide shovels, sand and bags. There will be a limit of 20 bags per vehicle.

For more information on sandbags, call Pinellas County Public Works at (727) 464-8900.

Steps to prepare:
• Residents in flood prone locations should prepare for possible flooding as the result of anticipated inclement weather this weekend and early next week.
• Sign up for free emergency notifications through Alert Pinellas by visiting www.pinellascounty.org/alertpinellas. Those without computer access can call (866) 484-3264.
• Pay attention to weather reports throughout the weekend and into early next week.

The following should also be kept in mind:

Types of flood advisories:
• Flood Advisory: Be Aware – Weather conditions may become a nuisance, but flooding is not expected.
• Flood Watch: Be Prepared – Conditions are favorable for flooding, but this does not mean flooding will occur.
• Flood Warning: Take Action – Flooding is imminent or occurring.
• Flash Flood Warning: Take Action – A flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area, move immediately to high ground.
Flood safety tips:
• Know your home’s risk by finding out your flood zone. Visit www.pinellascounty.org/flooding/maps.htm
• Turn Around, Don’t Drown! It only takes 6 inches of moving water to sweep you off your feet or 12 inches to float a small car.
• For more flood preparation tips, visit www.pinellascounty.org/flooding.

Pinellas County will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit www.pinellascounty.org/emergency. Residents can look up evacuation zones with the Pinellas County “Doing Things for You” app. Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.