Sept. 24 Evening Update | Charlotte County is now under a Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Warning. Our peak storm surge continues to be 3’ to 5’ for Charlotte County with onshore winds from Helene pushing water ashore. Helene is still anticipated to move rapidly northward and gain intensity, with an eventual landfall in the vicinity of the Florida Big Bend as a major hurricane. Helene is expected to have an extremely large wind field extending from its center, creating potentially life-threatening storm surge along the west coast of Florida. Charlotte County is forecast to have a 72% chance of receiving sustained Tropical Storm force winds, with the earliest reasonable arrival currently at 11 p.m., Wednesday and the most likely arrival at 8 a.m., Thursday. These times are subject to slightly change as the storm draws closer. Widespread rainfall of 3” to 6” expected with localized amounts up to 10” possible. High rainfall amounts over already saturated areas can caused localized flooding. Isolated waterspouts and tornadoes are possible, mainly on Thursday.
Charlotte County will open storm shelters in Port Charlotte at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept 25. Evacuations have been ordered for barrier islands, low-lying and flood-prone areas along the coast, canals and rivers, manufactured homes and any homes that may not withstand high winds such as those that may be comprised from previous storms or that historically flood. 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 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 last resort. If you are planning to go to a storm shelter bring the following supplies for each family member and pets (all Charlotte County shelters are pet friendly). Supplies listed in the photos or at www.charlottecountyfl.gov/disasterguide.
The following shelter locations are open:
• Kingsway Elementary School 23300 Quasar Blvd., Port Charlotte
• Harold Ave. Regional Park Recreation Center 23400 Harold Ave., Port Charlotte
