TAMPA, Fla. — With Hurricane Helene expected to form this week, Tampa Bay-area counties have begun issuing local states of emergency to prepare for potential tropical weather.
All local states of emergency will be in place for seven days, or until they are rescinded.
Citrus County state of emergency
Citrus County leaders issued a state of emergency on Tuesday due to the "significant, imminent and dangerous threat to the health, safety and welfare" of residents ahead of Helene's impacts.
This order allows the county to direct evacuations and implement emergency procedures.
Hernando County state of emergency
Hernando County declared a local state of emergency on Monday afternoon.
This declaration gives the county authority to take action to ensure the health and safety of the community as the storm approaches. This includes making emergency purchases, renting equipment, hiring workers and putting resources in place.
Hillsborough County state of emergency
Hillsborough County declared a local state of emergency on Monday night.
The emergency declaration allows the county to deploy resources needed to ensure the safety of Hillsborough County residents. It also "provides a path for federal reimbursement of certain expenses," the county said.
The state of emergency is in place through Sept. 30.
Pasco County state of emergency
Pasco County issued a local state of emergency on Tuesday evening along with mandatory evacuation orders for:
- Zone A
- People living in manufactured homes, mobile homes or RVs anywhere in Pasco County
- People living in low-lying areas or areas prone to flooding
Bradenton state of emergency
The city of Bradenton declared a local state of emergency on Tuesday morning. City residents are also encouraged to sign up for CodeRED, the city's free emergency notification system, online or by texting "MyBradentonFL" to 99411.
Brooksville state of emergency
The city of Brooksville declared a local state of emergency on Monday while encouraging residents to prepare for the potential impacts of the storm.
Dunedin state of emergency
The city of Dunedin declared a local state of emergency on Tuesday evening to help City Manager Jennifer K. Bramley quickly approve expenditures and issue special orders for public safety.
St. Petersburg state of emergency
The city of St. Petersburg issued a local state of emergency on Tuesday afternoon.
This declaration gives Mayor Ken Welch the authority to issue special orders to ensure public safety during the storm.
Florida state of emergency
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also issued a state of emergency on Monday for most of Florida's 67 counties.
Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties are all listed under the governor's order.
Issuing a state of emergency allows the state to execute its emergency management plan and carry out any necessary logistical, rescue or evacuation operations.
The National Hurricane Center says hurricane and storm surge watches have been issued for parts of Florida's Gulf Coast, including the Tampa Bay area, ahead of potential impacts from the storm. It is expected to become the season's next hurricane by Wednesday.
The 10 Tampa Bay weather team contributed to this report.