Tampa city leaders will provide storm update, as Hurricane Helene passes by the Tampa Bay region and conditions worsen. News Emergency Management, News General, News Tampa Fire[...]

Gaining strength as it moves up the Florida Gulf Coast, Hurricane Helene is creating potentially life-threatening conditions for communities along the state's western coastline, including Tampa Bay.

Along with tropical storm force winds, heavy rainfall, fast-moving thunderstorms with embedded tornadoes, state weather officials warn storm surge could be anywhere from 5 to 8 feet for the Tampa Bay area.

As of 7:00 A.M., the Emergency Operations Center has been fully activated, with all city leadership on site, ensuring all departments from public safety, to infrastructure, are working in unison.

Residents who have storm-related questions can call the city's Emergency Hotline 1 (833) TPA INFO (872-4636). It will be open from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, September 26. Just yesterday, call takers answered more than 100 calls.

As the storm moves through, city officials urge residents to remain indoors and avoid driving. Heavy rainfall and storm surge can lead to flash flooding, even after the storm passes. The Tampa Police Department has strategically placed its high water vehicles in flood-prone areas. However, residents are urged to take precaution and never drive through water. Residents can check tampa.gov/floodmaps to view flooded streets, as they are reported and confirmed to the Tampa Police and Mobility departments.