Irma remains a strong Category 4 storm with winds of 155 mph, and is moving west- northwest at 16 mph. The projected track of the storm has slightly west.

The Hurricane Watch has been extended to include Manatee County southward to Lee County. Hernando County is not in the watch area at this time, but this may change today. Southeast and Southwest Florida are now under a Hurricane Warning.

On the current track, a reasonable estimate for the arrival of tropical storm force winds in the Tampa Bay Area is early Sunday morning into Sunday afternoon. Hurricane conditions are now expected over most of the Florida Peninsula over the coming days.

Storm surge impacts are estimated to be between 3 and 6 feet. Coastal residents are reminded that these levels are similar to that of Hurricane Hermine in 2016.

Now is the time to finalize your preparations for the storm. Residents in coastal areas including Aripeka, Hernando Beach, Pine Island, and Weeki Wachee, as well as low lying and flood prone areas, need to prepare to relocate to higher ground. Mobile home residents countywide should also prepare to seek refuge in a hardened structure.

SANDBAG AVAILABILITY

Sandbag distribution operations are temporarily suspended as of 4 p.m. Thursday, September 7. We will resume operations once at 10 a.m. Friday,  September 8.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

• Monitor storm progress at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
• Check emergency supply kits. For more information on stocking your emergency supply kit, visit http://www.hernandocounty.us/em/hurricane-checklists.
• Fill up clean containers and bathtubs with water from home. If hurricane hits, use pool water first to flush
• Secure personal property. Bring items inside or tie down loose items from
• Relocate to higher ground if you feel unsafe. Flood waters will be capable of quick ponding on roadways.
• Coastal residents should closely monitor the progress of this system through local media outlets, the National Weather Service at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/tbw/ or the National Hurricane Center at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
• Mariners should expect to see small craft advisories over the
• Tide prediction data is available at

Hernando Beach: http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions/NOAATidesFacade.jsp?Stationid=8727122

Bayport: http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions/NOAATidesFacade.jsp?Stationid=8727151

Helpful Links:

National Weather Service – Brooksville

Florida Division of Emergency Management

MyFlorida.com

American Red Cross

FEMA

Hernando County Public Information Lines : (352) 754-4083 or (352) 754-4111 (Recorded)