Weather
Hurricane Season 2017: What Tampa Bay Area Residents Need To Know
Find out where to go in the Tampa Bay area for evacuation, shelter and preparedness information for the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season.
As Tropical Storm Emily eyes the Tampa Bay area, residents will want to keep close tabs on information and instructions put out by their local county emergency management office. To help make sure Tampa Bay area residents are prepared for what might blow our way, here is a county-by-county breakdown of where to go for important hurricane information:
Pasco County
The county’s Office of Emergency Management website offers a variety of resources for the storm season. Follow these links for specific information on:
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Pinellas County
The county has put together an extensive list of resources available to residents on its website. Residents can follow these links to access information on:
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Sarasota County
Residents will find the county’s emergency management website is the place to go for everything they need to know about surviving the season. Follow these links for specific information on:
Manatee County
Manatee County Emergency Management office provides a wealth of information on its website. Follow these links for specific information on:
Hillsborough County
The county’s Office of Emergency Management website offers everything residents here need to know to weather a storm. Follow these links for information on:
Polk County
The county’s Office of Emergency Management website offers the information residents need if a storm makes its way into the region. Follow these links for information on:
NOAA forecasters anticipate the 2017 season will produce 11 to 17 tropical storms. That number includes the pre-season Arlene that developed and fizzled out in April. Of the 11 to 17 tropical storms, about five to nine of them are expected to become hurricanes, Ben Friedman, NOAA’s acting administrator said. Two to four major hurricanes with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph are anticipated, as well.
“There is a potential for a lot of Atlantic storm activity this year,” Friedman said.
See also: 2017 Hurricane Names - Is Yours On The List?
An average hurricane season produces about 12 named storms of which six become hurricanes. Three of those storms generally become major hurricanes.
With hurricane season upon us, Friedman stressed the need for people to get ready. “We cannot stop hurricanes, but we can prepare for them.”
Residents readying for the upcoming season can get tips and advice on the federal government’s Ready.gov website.
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