PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – With some of the highest tides of the month expected to happen throughout the day Wednesday, Pinellas County Emergency Management is warning that storm surge flooding could be worse in many low-lying areas and could continue after winds from Hurricane Idalia have subsided.
The National Hurricane Center is projecting storm surge of 4 to 7 feet in Pinellas County, which prompted the Zone A evacuation that began on Monday evening.
Due to the timing of the storm interacting with varying times of high tides, some areas could see waves bringing floodwaters 1 to 2 feet higher than that.
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In anticipation of widespread coastal flooding, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Florida National Guard and all municipal fire and police departments have reviewed positioning and usage of water rescue teams prior to the storm making landfall.
“Don’t let the storm surge sneak up on you,” said Cathie Perkins, Pinellas County’s Emergency Management director. “The most dangerous storm surge is going to hit after the hurricane-force winds have passed. I recommend you avoid going on to the barrier islands until it’s announced that conditions are safe.”
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The storm surge impacts are expected to be worst during high tide along the Gulf Coast from Tarpon Springs to Treasure Island. Zone A communities along Tampa Bay are also expected to experience storm surge and king tide impacts, but it may be less severe.
Pinellas County remains under a Zone A evacuation order. All mobile home residents are also ordered to evacuate.
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