Tampa Bay, FL – Early Thursday morning, rain bands from Hurricane Helene began sweeping across West Central Florida as the powerful storm inches closer to landfall. The National Weather Service warns that conditions will continue to deteriorate throughout the day, with storm surge, heavy rainfall, and high winds expected along the coast.
The Tampa Bay region and surrounding areas are likely to experience flooding, with storm surges predicted along coastal regions. While Helene is set to make landfall further north in Florida’s Big Bend later today, the outer rain bands have already reached the Gulf Coast, causing localized flooding and hazardous conditions.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has urged residents to prepare for worsening weather by staying indoors and avoiding travel. Several shelters are now open across the region, and evacuation orders are in place for low-lying areas prone to storm surge flooding. Residents needing assistance can contact the state’s shelter hotline at 800-729-3413.
Officials stress the importance of having multiple ways to receive emergency alerts, as power outages and cell service disruptions are likely. As Hurricane Helene nears landfall, continue to monitor local weather updates and heed evacuation orders. Stay indoors and off the roads as conditions become increasingly hazardous.
