TAMPA, Fla. — Helene was officially upgraded from a tropical storm to a hurricane Wednesday morning as it continued its path toward Florida's coast.
The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane and storm surge warnings for parts of Florida's Gulf Coast, including the Tampa Bay area. Potential impacts from Helene include widespread power outages and storm damage.
Ahead of Helene's landfall, the Tampa Office of Emergency Management opened storm damage and power outages reporting access to residents throughout the region.
TRACKING HELENE: Storm becomes hurricane as it continues path toward Florida coast
Residents can report power outages, downed power lines, or other safety concerns in numerous ways, including calling (877) 588-1010, on the TECO Outage Map, and texting "OUT" to 27079.
Residents can also report fallen trees, traffic light outages, street flooding, and storm debris in the right of way by calling (813) 274-3101 or using the office's Resident Damage Self-Reporting Form by clicking here.
The office is also offering free sandbags to residents at multiple locations, including Himes Avenue Complex, Al Barnes Park, and Al Lopez Park from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Households are limited to 10 bags each.
Residents should also prepare a disaster supply kit ahead of Helene's landfall.
"One of the most important tools for emergency preparedness is your Disaster Supplies Kit," the office said. "You may have to evacuate at a moment's notice and take essentials with you. You may need to survive on your own after an emergency, which means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. First responders and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days. "