TAMPA -- Residents of the Tampa Bay area and the Florida Gulf Coast are being told to prepare for flooded streets, storm surge and rain, as Helene moves through the Gulf Wednesday and Thursday.

Forecasters say Helene will strengthen rapidly into a major hurricane as it passes the Yucatan and Cuba. The eye is expected to stay offshore, and Tampa Bay is no longer in the cone of uncertainty. But National Hurricane Center deputy director Jamie Rhome says storm surge will extend well past the storm's expected path, as will tropical storm force winds. NHC is calling for five to eight feet of storm surge in the Tampa Bay area, and 10 to 15 feet for areas to the north such as Cedar Key and Horseshoe Beach in Taylor County.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor says they're preparing for street flooding from rain and storm surge. City workers have been out clearing storm drains ahead of Helene. The mayor expects city offices to close Thursday. Tampa mobility director Vik Bhide says that stormwater systems will overflow, despite efforts to clear the drains, but the city is planning to use ponds and other structures to channel excess water.

Pinellas County is ordering a mandatory evacuation only for hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Zone A. The county will determine later whether to open shelters.

Sarasota county is issuing evacuations for Zone A, beginning Wednesday morning. Manatee County is ordering evacuations for Zone A starting at 10 a.m. Wed. Hernando County is posting mandatory evacuations for Zones A, B and C starting Wednesday morning. That's basically all areas west of U.S. 19, as well as manufactured homes. The evacuation shelter in Hernando is the West Hernando Middle School in Brooksville, for all including special needs and those with pets.

School districts in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Hernando, Manatee and Sarasota counties will close tomorrow and Thursday. Pasco schools will close Thursday. Citrus County schools will be in session for a half day Wednesday, then close all day Thursday. Polk County schools will remain open Wednesday but close Thursday and Friday.

The University of South Florida is canceling classes Wednesday and won't resume until Monday (30th). Campuses will be closed Wednesday through Friday. Residence halls at Tampa and Sarasota-Manatee campuses will stay open. Residence halls at the St. Pete campus will close Wednesday and students needing a place to stay will be moved to the Tampa campus. USF Health clinical facilities will open Wednesday and be closed Thursday.

The city of Treasure Island is changing its trash and yard collection schedules, according to the city:

Public Works will be collecting trash and yard debris through Wednesday late afternoon, Sept. 25. Crews will NOT be picking up furniture or bulk items.
If crews are unable to work Thursday, then expect trash pickup times to change. Thursday’s (9/26) pickup will be Friday (9/27) and Friday’s (9/27) pickup will be Saturday (9/28).

Photo: National Hurricane Center

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