More than 30 households temporarily displaced by Hermine flood waters

More than 30 households have been temporarily displaced as a result of flooding from Hurricane Hermine, Manatee County emergency officials reported Friday evening.

A temporary shelter was established Friday at West Bradenton Baptist Church, 1305 43rd St. W., Bradenton, for any Manatee County residents who are unable to stay in their homes as a result of flooding, according to a news release issued Friday evening.

“Individuals are urged to bring sleeping arrangements such as blankets, pillows and hygiene kits,” said Manatee County Emergency Management Chief Don Hermey in the statement. “They should also bring snacks, any special dietary needs and their personal medications.”

The Manatee County Emergency Operations Center and the American Red Cross of Southwest Florida had received more than 30 calls from residents requesting somewhere to stay Friday.

Those with questions about the shelter can call the American Red Cross at 1-844-556-6582.

Flood waters continued to recede Friday evening after the area had been hammered with downpours and winds recorded at 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office on Friday advised non-residents of Anna Maria Island to avoid going to the island because of flooding conditions there.

Rainy conditions will linger until later in the day Saturday, according to Bay News 9 meteorologist Mike Clay.

“We will have another good chance of showers and thunderstorms into Saturday morning,” Clay said. “We should start to see dryer patter by later Saturday, and the winds will shift.”

On the beaches, rip currents will remain a threat for the morning hours Saturday. By Saturday afternoon, the rough surf is expected to subside quickly.

A flood warning for the Manatee River at Myakka Head will remain in effect until Sunday morning.

County officials are assessing damage and needs, and the Citizens Information Center will be open through 5 p.m. for anyone who wants to report damage or impassable roads. Residents can call the center at 941-748-4501 or leave a message to the center over the weekend at 941-749-3500, ext. 1667.

Roads are in better condition, but downed trees and power lines overnight are still a danger to citizens. Hermey said anyone who sees a downed power line should assume it is energized and stay away.

Trolleys on Anna Maria Island did not run Friday and will resume only when roads are passable. MCAT routes resumed at 7 a.m. Friday with some delays and detours. John Marble Park was closed Friday afternoon due to flooding.

Local emergency management officials warn residents not to drive in standing water and to minimize leaving shelter as hazardous weather passes through.

As of 8 p.m. Friday, 122 FPL customers in Manatee remained without power.

This story was originally published September 2, 2016 at 6:51 AM with the headline "More than 30 households temporarily displaced by Hermine flood waters."