It’s time to shelter in place for Hurricane Milton

It's time to shelter in place for Hurricane Milton

With conditions rapidly deteriorating as Hurricane Milton approaches and wind gusts at over 50 miles per hour, residents are advised to settle into their safe place and stay put.

Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall tonight between Tampa Bay and Manatee County as a Category 3 hurricane. The exact track and location of landfall will make a major difference in how wind and storm surge impact Pinellas County, but the National Hurricane Center warns that the risk of deadly storm surge and hurricane force winds remains high.

Regardless of where the storm hits land, severe winds and heavy rainfall are expected to cause widespread power outages, flooding and other dangers overnight and into Thursday.

If you did not evacuate and water begins to enter your home, shut off your electricity and gas and climb to the highest point possible, but make sure you have an escape route like a window. As hurricane conditions worsen, emergency responders may not be able to get to you until the storm subsides. Emergency response agencies are now pulling crews off the roads due to worsening storm conditions.

If your home is damaged by the wind but not flooding, go to an interior room with no windows.

Other advice during the storm and after the storm

• While you still have power, charge all your devices.
• Sign up for emergency text alerts at pinellas.gov/alerts; these text alerts may be able to get through to your phone even if cell networks are damaged. An emergency radio or car radio may also pick up important emergency information if cell service is down.
• Be cautious after the storm. Never drive through flooded streets. A car can be washed away or disabled by only a foot of water on the road.
• Avoid walking through floodwater because it may contain bacteria, wildlife, sharp objects and live power lines.
• Use your generator outdoors or in a well-ventilated space; never operate a generator indoors.

Stay informed

• Stay informed: Monitor local news media, National Weather Service, disaster.pinellas.gov, Facebook @PinellasGov, X @PinellasGov, search hashtag #PCHelene. Check for updates regularly as storm forecasts and guidance can change quickly.
• Register for emergency alerts at disaster.pinellas.gov and download the Ready Pinellas app in the App Store or Google Play store for real-time storm updates.