Pinellas County in tropical storm warning

Pinellas County Utilities is asking residents to limit nonessential water use during Tropical Storm Emily. If possible, don’t wash clothes, dishes or take unnecessary showers until the storm passes. And, please, reset your irrigation system timers, as well. Every drop counts!

The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Tropical Storm Emily.

The storm is expected to move across the west coast of Florida today bringing heavy rain with the possibility of localized flooding in low-lying areas.

Pinellas County Emergency Management advises residents to take extra precautions today, particularly to avoid driving through flooded streets and to stay informed about developing weather conditions.

The Citizen Information Center is open for questions or reports of storm-related issues. Call (727) 464-4333.

Emergency Management has made sandbags available for citizens in unincorporated Pinellas County at the following locations:

• John Chesnut Park, 2200 East Lake Road, Palm Harbor
• John S. Taylor Park, 1100 Eighth Ave. SW, Largo
• Lealman Community Park, 3890 55th Ave. N., St. Petersburg

City residents are advised to check with their municipality for availability of sandbags in their area.

Tropical Storm Emily developed rapidly from a tropical depression into a tropical storm early Monday.

Emily is expected to bring widespread rainfall of 2-4 inches through Monday night in the Tampa Bay area, with higher amounts possible in some areas.

Coastal and barrier island residents are advised to prepare for potential localized flooding and higher than usual tides.

Residents, particularly in flood-prone areas, should take these precautions:

• If necessary, move your vehicle to higher ground. Avoid driving through deep standing water.
• If flooding occurs in your home, be aware of how to disconnect power sources safely. For more information regarding flooding, visit www.pinellascounty.org/flooding.
• Residents can also report issues with the Pinellas County Doing Things For You app or by visiting www.pinellascounty.org/reportanissue.
• Residents are also urged to sign up for Alert Pinellas at www.pinellascounty.org/alertpinellas to receive emergency notifications by phone or text message.