Tampa officials have once again emphasized the critical importance of heeding warnings and taking necessary safety precautions as Hurricane Helene approaches landfall in Florida. During a recent news briefing, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor issued a stern reminder to residents, stating, 'If you get in a confrontation with mother nature, she wins 100% of the time, so please stay safe out there.'
Mayor Castor further cautioned that Tampa is currently experiencing the impacts of Hurricane Helene, with storm surge and wind gusts expected to intensify in the coming hours. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw echoed the sentiment, urging individuals to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary risks. 'Now is the time to stay home,' Chief Bercaw emphasized, emphasizing that venturing outside could jeopardize the safety of first responders.
In neighboring St. Petersburg, officials are advising residents to brace for the most severe winds between 6 to 8 p.m. ET, with storm surge anticipated to peak around midnight. Flood rescue teams have been strategically positioned throughout the city to respond swiftly in the event of emergencies.
Mayor Ken Welch of St. Petersburg issued a cautionary note regarding the Northeast Water Reclamation Facility, indicating that the plant may need to be shut down if storm surge levels reach 7 feet at the site. In such a scenario, Mayor Welch explained that restarting the facility could take up to 48 hours, underscoring the potential challenges posed by the impending weather conditions.
