PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to remain inside as rescue operations are temporarily slowed due to extreme weather conditions.
“SHELTER IN PLACE NOW,” the sheriff’s office said in warning on social media around 5:20 p.m. on Wednesday.
Citizens are still able to call 911 for assistance, the PSO said.
Response to emergency calls have been slowed across the Tampa Bay area as Hurricane Milton brings dangerous conditions.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been pulled off the roads until it is safe for them to respond to calls.
An emergency alert was issued for residents in Pinellas County urging them to shelter in place as winds gust above 50 mph.
"As hurricane conditions worsen, emergency responders may not be able to get to you until the storm subsides. Emergency response agencies are now pulling crews off the roads due to worsening storm conditions," Pinellas County leaders said.
Although parts of Florida are already feeling the effects of the hurricane, the NHC says landfall is expected to be sometime Wednesday night along the Gulf Coast.
To see a full list of watches and warnings in the Tampa Bay area, tap here.
Our 10 Tampa Bay Weather team will continue to monitor any development and keep you informed, prepared and connected through the rest of hurricane season.
