Pasco County Braces for Heavy Rain; Urges Self-Evacuation in Flood-Prone Areas

PASCO COUNTY, FL — Pasco County emergency planners are urging residents to prepare for the potential of heavy rain and possible flooding as a tropical system makes its way toward Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Tropical Depression Nine is expected to develop into a tropical storm before making its way into the region between Wednesday and Thursday. The storm is expected to bring strong winds to the area along with heavy rain fall. As of Tuesday afternoon, forecasters were expecting Pasco County’s coastal areas to see 10 inches of rain with 4 inches or more possible in the inland areas.

“Residents who live in low-lying, flood-prone areas and those with special needs should consider the possibility of voluntary self-evacuations ahead of the storm,” an email from the county said. “Residents who usually experience flooding should take actions to prepare their properties and supply their homes/families with adequate food.”

Significant rainfall is expected to begin sometime on Wednesday and may last through Thursday night, the county said. Sustained winds of 25 mph are expected along with gusts up to 45 mph.

“Tides are expected to rise one to three feet above normal,” the email warned. “There could also be tornadic activity possible - especially on Thursday.”

As Pasco County prepares for the storm, local governments have made sandbags available at the following locations between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. until further notice:

• West Pasco Government Center, 7356 State St., New Port Richey
• C-Barn, 30908 Warder Road, San Antonio (self-serve)
• Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Road, Hudson (self-serve)
• Mitchell Park, 4825 Little Road, New Port Richey (self-serve)
• Land O' Lakes Recreation Center, 3032 Collier Parkway, Land O' Lakes
• Fire Station, 6907 Dairy Road, Zephyrhills
• 6240 Pine Hill Road, New Port Richey (self-serve)
• 38042 Pasco Ave., Dade City (self-serve)
• Port Richey City Hall, 6333 Ridge Road, Port Richey (self-serve)

All materials are provided for residents who need to make sandbags, but the county recommends people bring their own shovels.

To keep up with any developments from Pasco County as the storm approaches, visit the Pasco Emergency Management Office online at www.pascoemergencymanagement.com.

Image courtesy of the National Weather Service