Pinellas faces flooding risk from TS Elsa in low-lying, coastal areas

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Online storm surge flooding risk tool launched

  • Pinellas County has launched a new Tropical Storm Flooding Risk Map to show residents their flood risk from Tropical Storm Elsa. The map can be accessed via desktop or mobile applications at https://storm.pinellascounty.org/.  It will also be available for future tropical storms.
  • The tool models potential storm surge flooding based on the National Hurricane Center’s forecast of the current tropical storm. The data upon which the risk is calculated is not updated as the storm approaches, so residents should closely monitor the storm.
  • It shows how high the water will be above the ground, not above the finished floor of your home. Each building owner will need to determine their specific risk.
  • This model only shows projected flooding from storm surge. Rainfall and waves may also bring water into a structure but are not shown here.
  • If life-threatening storm surge is expected, Pinellas County will issue an evacuation order and this tool will not be available. Evacuation information is available on the the Know Your Zone evacuation zone map.

Advice & Information for Residents in flood prone or at-risk areas

  • Prepare your home for flooding:
    • Take a household inventory. Take photos and videos of expensive items. Take these records with you if you must evacuate.
    • Take important papers such as birth certificates, passports, medical records and insurance papers in a protective cover.
    • Elevate or move your furniture, appliances and valuables to a safe place, such as an attic or the highest floor of your home.Prepare a small bag with essentials and take with you.
    • Have battery-operated flashlights and radios with you.
    • Keep tuned in to local media for flood watches and warnings.
  • If you experience flooding:
    • Take care of your physical safety first.
    • Do not panic.Shut off water service, gas service and electricity to your home.
    • Get yourself, your loved ones and your pets to a location safe from flooding as soon as possible.
    • Know your evacuation routes and plan where you will go.
    • Heed warnings from officials – evacuate when orders are given.
  • If you must evacuate:
    • Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you must walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
    • Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the vehicle and move to higher ground immediately if you can do so safely.
    • You and the vehicle can be swept away:
      • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling.
      • Once the vehicle is stalled, you can be at the mercy of the forces of the flood waters and swept away.
      • One foot of water will float many vehicles.
      • Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.

Complete Preparations Now Before Storm Impacts Begin

While it’s still too early to tell if flooding will happen in your area, ensuring you have a plan now will help keep you and your family safe.

  • Look up your evacuation zone in one of the following ways:
    • Download the Ready Pinellas app for iOS or AndroidIf you have a land line, you can call (727) 453-3150 and enter your 10-digit home phone number.
    • Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the County Information Center via online chat at www.bit.ly/PinellasChat.
  • Stay informed:
  • Review your disaster plan:
    • Please preregister for special needs shelters by calling the County Information Center at (727) 464-4333.
    • Residents only need to register for special needs shelters once per season, so doing it now will help you for the rest of the year.
    • Purchase necessary items to complete survival kit now.
    • Prepare your kit. Be sure to include necessary hygiene supplies and gather important papers. For those going to a shelter, we recommend that you bring face coverings and sanitizer.
    • Review checklist online at www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/prepareahead.htm

Information courtesy of Pinellas County Government.

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