With Tropical Storm Helene on the way, Manatee County declares state of emergency

Manatee County and Bradenton leaders declared a state of emergency Tuesday morning ahead of anticipated hurricane weather later this week.

Tropical Storm Helene formed around 11 a.m. Tuesday. It is expected to become a major hurricane early Thursday morning with Florida in its path.

The Bradenton area is expected to see strong tropical weather impacts, including storm surge, flash flooding and tropical-storm-force winds.

County leaders are urging residents to prepare now for potential flooding and make sure other emergency plans and supplies are in place.

“It is important you take the necessary precautions ahead of this event, as it will have impacts on our area,” Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fisk said in an update posted to social media Tuesday morning.

Sandbags are available at several locations throughout Manatee County, county and city leaders said.

“As we prepare for Tropical Storm Helene, it’s vital that residents review their emergency plans, know their evacuation zones, and stay informed,” Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said. “The city is taking proactive steps, and we urge everyone to do the same. Together, we can weather this storm safely by staying informed and prepared.”

Residents can sign up for emergency alerts from the county at MyManatee.org.

Bradenton area could see hurricane

Fisk also urged residents to check their evacuation level by visiting the county’s website or calling 311. Residents can also register for transport to a shelter in case of an evacuation.

According to the latest National Hurricane Center forecast, the tropical system is expected to become a hurricane by Wednesday morning before making landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region.

Meteorologists say the storm could become a Category 3 hurricane in the Gulf as it passes the Bradenton area. Parts of Manatee County could see up to 8 inches of rain and up to 9 feet of peak storm surge, according to the NHC.

“Current forecasts are predicting significant rainfall and storm surge across Florida and Manatee County beginning late Wednesday and continuing into Thursday,” Fiske said Tuesday afternoon.

County officials say they have lowered the level of the Lake Manatee reservoir to just under 37 feet to allow for extra rainfall capacity, and other preparations are underway around the county.

“Our Utilities and Public Works crews are going throughout the county to make sure that the debris is out of the way to allow water to flow freely,” Fiske said. “Residents are encouraged to call Manatee 3-1-1 to report any drainage issues, backups, or concerns.”

State of emergency declarations allow local governments to access extra resources and activate special services.

Manatee announces storm closures, cancellations

Manatee County announced the following closures and service delays on Tuesday:

• Manatee County’s public beaches and pools will close Tuesday night until further notice.

• Parks and preserves will close on Wednesday evening until further notice.

• All county facilities will be closed Thursday and government meetings will be postponed.

• County trash pickup will be canceled Thursday with plans to resume pickups on Friday with a one-day delayed schedule.

• The Lena Road Landfill will be closed Thursday.

• Manatee County Area Transit fixed-route and trolley bus services will end at 8 p.m. Wednesday and are canceled on Thursday.

• The Gulf Islands Ferry service is suspended through this weekend.

Other closings will be announced as needed as the storm moves closer, the county said.

This story was originally published September 24, 2024 at 11:31 AM.