As Tropical Storm Debby approaches, the City of St. Petersburg is actively preparing to mitigate its potential impacts on the community. The storm is expected to affect the area on Sunday, August 4, with a Tropical Storm Warning, Storm Surge Watch, and Flood Watch currently in effect for Pinellas County.
The National Hurricane Center forecasts a storm surge of 2-4 feet along with heavy rainfall of 4-6 inches. Residents are advised to prepare for heavy rains, coastal flooding, and gusty winds starting Sunday.
Emergency sandbag distribution locations have been operational but will not be open on Sunday. As of now, over 31,000 sandbags have been distributed to residents. The city’s brush sites are set to open tomorrow, weather permitting.
Residents are urged not to drive through flooded streets and can find important flooding information at www.stpete.org/flooding. For real-time updates, follow the city’s social media accounts or sign up for Alert Pinellas.
City teams have been working through their pre-storm checklist focusing on low-lying areas. Wastewater treatment facilities have confirmed they can handle additional rainfall. Teams are also prepared for post-storm relief efforts.
The Codes Compliance Assistance Department and Neighborhood Relations Department have completed pre-storm assessments while preparing for debris pickup needs after the storm passes. Sunken Gardens will remain closed through August 4 and reopen on August 5.
Boats at the Municipal Marina have been assessed for safety and security measures are in place across the city. Message boards warn drivers about possible roadway flooding while the South Core Parking Garage offers elevated parking options for residents.
Water levels at city pools have been lowered in anticipation of increased rainfall, and parks have been cleaned to minimize post-storm debris accumulation.
For further information regarding preparations and updates related to Tropical Storm Debby, visit www.stpete.org/hurricane.
