Effects of Tropical Storm Expected to Hit Manatee County Today

The effects of Tropical Storm Issac are expected to arrive this evening and will be felt in Manatee County through Monday at 2 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. 

Winds are expected to be intermittent with bands of heavy rain.  Storm surge impact estimates are at 3 to 5 feet. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors and off the road.

Tropical storm winds are characterized as 39 – 58 miles per hour (mph). During periods of sustained winds in excess of 40 mph, high-profile vehicles are discouraged from traveling on the roadways.  Such vehicles include those used by emergency services.

Manatee County continues to recommend voluntarily evacuation for people with special needs and those living in mobile home parks and other low-lying areas.

Two shelters remain open:

• , 902 33rd Street Court West, pet-friendly
• , 6545 53rd Avenue East

If you have a special need such as a medical condition requiring electricity or oxygen, register now by calling 941-749-3500.

Sandbags remain available for Manatee County residents at the following locations until 4pm today:

Buffalo Creek Golf Course, 8100 69th St. E., Palmetto
G.T. Bray Recreation Center, 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W. Bradenton
Lakewood Ranch Park, near Lakewood Ranch High School
39th St. Stormwater Facility, 5511 39th St. E., Bradenton
Rubonia Community Center, 1309 72nd st. E., Palmetto

City of Bradenton residents may also pick up sandbags, available on 7th Street and 13th Avenue West.

Regular updates will be posted to Manatee’s Facebook page and Twitter account, @ManateeGov. For more information, people may call (941) 748-4501 or (941) 749-3500.