UPDATE: Hurricane Helene=September 26, 2024, 4:50PM

Helene is currently a CAT 3 storm and predicted to become a CAT 4 before landfall. Helene is a very large storm, and we are starting to receive sustained winds in excess of 35-40 MPH as some of the outer bands approach. Higher winds and 4-6 inches of rain are possible overnight. Pinellas County Floodplain Administrator, Lisa Foster, still predicts a 5-8 feet of storm surge with peak time between 10PM to midnight tonight and surge levels to remain 3-4 feet above normal from 6PM-3PM in the morning. 

Tampa Airport remains closed until tomorrow. The Skyway Bridge has been closed as of 2PM and not sure about the Causeway Bridge. 

We began activation of our emergency siren at 6AM through noon, and in 30-minute intervals beginning at 1PM. Officers have continued evacuation messaging throughout the day and have made numerous face-to-face contacts with citizens who were not evacuating. Numerous non-resident security related traffic stops were initiated in residential areas and at beach access points. 

We are continuing to maintain communications with all EM, LE, and FD partners and remain committed to share resources and high-water rescue assets as needed. The County advised ALL non-emergency transports suspended as of 3PM. 

First Responders will remain active as long as possible, but will cease patrol once conditions become unsafe. We have moved most of our non-high-water assets to the secondary EOC and we will assess our need to relocate as things evolve. 

We will keep everyone updated with any significant changes.

Chief Rick Swann
Indian Shores Police Department