Hillsborough County urges residents to monitor weather forecasts and review their emergency plans as Hurricane Elsa could impact Central Florida during the long Independence Day holiday weekend.
Hillsborough County emergency officials and representatives of partner agencies are closely monitoring the projected track of Hurricane Elsa and are coordinating resources and operations to respond as necessary.
Actions Residents Should Take
- Residents and visitors should pay close attention to weather forecasts and make decisions accordingly. According to the National Weather Service, there is a risk of storm surge, wind, and rainfall impacts for portions of the Florida Peninsula early next week; however, the forecast uncertainty remains larger than usual due to Elsa’s potential interaction with the Greater Antilles this weekend.
- Review storm preparedness plans and disaster kit contents. Hillsborough County’s 2021 Disaster Preparedness Guide, accessed via HCFLGov.net/StaySafe, is available in English and Spanish and contains comprehensive information on how to prepare for any hazard.
- Tropical storms have the potential to bring damaging winds and heavy rain that could last many hours. Prepare your home by cleaning out gutters and drainpipes, trimming trees and hedges if needed, and securing or putting away loose objects such as outdoor furniture, birdbaths, and potted plants.
- Know if you live in an evacuation zone. Visit HCFLGov.net/StaySafe for a link to Hillsborough County’s Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool (HEAT).
This simple tool assists residents in determining if they live in one of the County’s five evacuation zones.
- Register for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County’s official public notification system for emergency and urgent alerts. To receive messages by email, phone, and text, go to HCFLGov.net/StaySafe.
- Stay informed by following Hillsborough County on social media at Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor. Check HCFLGov.net/StaySafe regularly for updates. For general County information, call (813) 272-5900, the County’s main information line.
Even if Hurricane Elsa has little impact on Hillsborough County, it’s wise to keep in mind that the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season began only a month ago, and that the peak of the season in our region is yet to come.
Android Users, Click Here To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. It’s Free And Coming To Apple Users Soon.
Support journalism by clicking here to our gofundme or sign up for our free newsletter by clicking here