Hurricane Helene has formed and will will rapidly intensify into a major hurricane as it enters the Gulf of Mexico. Although Charlotte County, Florida is south of the cone, evacuation notices have been issued. I'll take this opportunity to remind everyone in Southwest Florida that we weren't originally in the cone for Hurricane Ian. That is, until the cone shifted south.
9/26 Update
The northbound U.S. 41 bridge over the Peace River is closed until further notice due to road flooding in Punta Gorda. Storm surge, high tides and excessive rainfall from Hurricane Helene have caused widespread localized flooding, particularly in coastal areas. These conditions will continue to worsen this afternoon and evening.
Beach Road in Englewood is closed from State Road 776 to the Charlotte-Sarasota county line due to flooding from Hurricane Helene. Charlotte County urges motorists not to drive on North Beach Road and Gulf Boulevard on Manasota Key.
Hurricane Helene Charlotte County Info
Charlotte County has declared a local state of emergency due to Hurricane Helene. The county is currently under a tropical storm and storm surge watch. The updated surge map shows much higher numbers than originally anticipated.
Evacuations have been ordered for barrier islands, low-lying and flood-prone areas, manufactured homes and any homes that may not withstand high winds such as those that may be comprised from previous storms. They urge all residents living in temporary housing units to evacuate as a precaution. Shelters will open at 1 p.m., Wednesday at Harold Avenue Regional Park, 23400 Harold Ave., in Port Charlotte and Kingsway Elementary School, 23300 Quasar Blvd., in Port Charlotte.
In response to Hurricane Helene, Charlotte County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, September 26, and Friday, September 27, to ensure the safety of students and staff. A decision regarding Friday night high school activities will be made once more information on the potential impacts of the storm becomes available.
Charlotte County storm shelters in Port Charlotte opened at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept 25. Charlotte County Emergency Management has ordered evacuations for barrier islands, low-lying and flood-prone areas, manufactured homes, and any homes that may not withstand high winds, such as those that may be comprised from previous storms.
This includes those living on the barrier islands of Don Pedro Island, Knight Islands (Palm Island), Little Gasparilla Island, Gasparilla Island, and Manasota Key, as well as residents in any zone living in mobile homes, manufactured homes and trailers. It is advised you stay with friends and family members who live outside of evacuation areas or flood zones, in a well-constructed home. If you have no place to go, shelters are refuges of last resort.
The following shelter locations will open Sept. 25 at 1 p.m.:
- Kingsway Elementary School 23300 Quasar Blvd., Port Charlotte
- Harold Avenue Regional Park Recreation Center 23400 Harold Ave., Port Charlotte
If you choose to go a shelter you will need to bring supplies for each family member and pets (all Charlotte County shelters are pet friendly).
- Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and/or blankets and pillow
- Personal flashlight and headlamps
- Disinfectant supplies, hand sanitizer, soap
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Feminine hygiene products
- Cell phones, chargers, backup battery
- Extra sets of clothes suitable for the season
- Extra socks and sturdy shoes
- Food or snacks (72+ hours’ worth)
- Books or magazine
- Prescription medications, eyeglasses
- Important documents
- Water
If you will have pets, be sure to bring:
- Pet care items
- Pet food and water (at least two weeks' worth)
- Proper identification
- Medical records, microchip info, vaccination papers
- A carrier or cage
- Muzzle and leash
- Water and food bowls
- Medications
Additionally, the Charlotte County Transit Service will be closed for regular service on Wednesday and Thursday. Charlotte County offices and facilities will also be closed Wednesday and Thursday due to Tropical Storm Helene.
County Garbage Pickup Suspended
Curbside collection will not occur Thursday, Sept. 26. Curbside collection will tentatively resume Friday, Sept. 27 for Thursday pickups, and Saturday for Friday pickups. Please wait to put carts out for collection until Friday morning.
A news conference has been schedule for 2pm Wednesday, and can be viewed on the Charlotte County facebook page.
Tropical Storm Helene (soon to be major hurricane) is a very large storm and even with the projected cone of the Big Bend area, we will be feeling the effects. Rainfall projections are currently in the 4-6 inches range.
Do not take this storm lightly, it is still developing.
Quite often, we see the biggest adjustments to the cone while the storm is in an early development stage. Stay informed, and have a plan ready in case there are changes to the projected path. If you're not sure what to do, our guide is a very handy resource.
And don't plan on doing any yard work on Thursday.
