Update #1: Tropical Storm Watch issued, Pinellas County offers two sandbag sites for unincorporated residents

Update #1: Tropical Storm Watch issued, Pinellas County offers two sandbag sites for unincorporated residents

Latest storm/incident developments

• National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Pinellas County.
• Pinellas County monitoring track of Potential Tropical Cyclone Four, forecast to approach Florida this weekend.
• Sandbag distribution locations activated for unincorporated Pinellas County residents.
• Residents are asked to check with their local municipalities for sandbag distribution if they are not an unincorporated Pinellas resident.
• Coastal flooding and localized rain flooding possible over the weekend.
• County Information Center (CIC) will be open for preparedness questions on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Call (727) 464-4333. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing may contact the CIC during those same hours via online chat at bit.ly/PinellasChat.

Sandbag locations

Due to anticipated flooding of less than 15 inches, sandbags are available in the following locations:

• Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Complex, 2855 109th Ave N., St. Petersburg. Hours: Aug. 3, 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. while supplies last. Pre-filled sandbags available. Limit: 10 per vehicle.
• John Chesnut Sr. Park: 2200 East Lake Road, Palm Harbor. Hours: Aug. 3, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. while supplies last. Residents must bag their own sandbags. Sand and shovels will be provided. Limit: 10 per vehicle.
• Prepare for delays and site closures due to high sandbag demand.
• Sandbag resources and videos are available at https://pinellas.gov/sandbags

Advice & Information for Residents

• Sandbags are only recommended for residents who may experience flooding less than 15 inches. Sandbags won't stop water completely, but they can reduce the amount of water entering your home. They will not protect against waves or storm surge associated with larger storms.
• Review and finalize personal preparedness plans and emergency kits.

• Monitor local news media, National Weather Service, disaster.pinellas.gov, Facebook @PinellasGov and Twitter @PinellasGov. Check for updates at least every 6-12 hours as storm forecasts and guidance can change quickly.
• Register for emergency alerts at pinellas.gov/alert-pinellas and download the Ready Pinellas app in the App Store or Google Play store for real-time storm updates.