Manatee County and City of Bradenton leaders declared a local state of emergency Friday ahead of a pressure system that is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm by Saturday evening.
The storm, Tropical Depression Four, is forecast to bring heavy rains that could cause flash flooding across Florida through the weekend. If sustained winds reach 39 mph, it could become the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season: Tropical Storm Debby.
Manatee County is included in a storm surge watch issued by the National Hurricane Center during its 5 p.m. advisory on Friday. A storm surge watch is issued when there is a possibility of a “life-threatening” amount of rising water moving inland from the coastline.
Tampa Bay and Manatee County’s coastline could see storm surge as high as 4 feet, according to the latest forecast. The storm surge watch is expected to last for the next 48 hours.
At 5 a.m. Saturday, the National Hurricane Center placed Manatee County’s coastal areas under a tropical storm warning, which means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 36 hours.
“It’s important for the public to monitor the storm and prepare for the possible flooding effects,” Manatee County Commissioner Mike Rahn said.
The National Hurricane Center issued its first advisory on Potential Tropical Cyclone Four at 11 a.m. Friday.
Tropical storm watches and warnings were issued for portions of Florida ahead of a possible landfall along the Florida coast Sunday, with the storm expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Debby as early as Saturday.
As of 5 a.m. Saturday, the tropical depression system was 195 miles southeast of Key West, the National Hurricane Center said.
Rainy weather expected in Bradenton, forecast says
Meteorologists with the National Hurricane Center predict between 4 and 8 inches of rainfall in Manatee County , with heavy rainfall expected to begin Saturday afternoon and last through Monday morning.
The National Hurricane Center said heavy rainfall may result in flash and urban flooding across portions of Florida and the Southeast this weekend through Wednesday morning, with isolated river flooding also possible.
Tropical storm conditions are expected Saturday night within the warning area in southwest Florida from East Cape Sable to Bonita Beach, where a tropical storm warning has been issued.
“The environment over the Gulf of Mexico is quite favorable for strengthening with light shear and very warm sea-surface temperatures, so subsequent steady strengthening is expected,” the National Hurricane Center said.
Manatee, Bradenton declare state of emergency
The local state of emergency announcements follow one issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis Thursday afternoon for much of the state, excluding South Florida. DeSantis signed an executive order for a possible “major disaster” in 54 of the state’s 67 counties in North, Central and Southwest Florida. Manatee and Sarasota counties were among those issued.
State of emergency declarations allow local governments to access extra resources and activate special services during severe weather.
“It also gives the county the ability to get resources from the state when needed,” said Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske.
Manatee County’s Emergency Operations Center was activated at a Level 2, or partial activation, as of 10 a.m. Friday morning. Officials said they will continue to add staff and resources as needed if the storm progresses.
City Administrator Rob Perry talked about the importance of not taking the tropical threat lightly at Friday’s state of emergency meeting held by the Bradenton City Council.
“You all have been around storms in Florida since you were born,” Perry told council members. I think at a government level and at a public safety level, it’s something you will never be criticized for as far as being over-prepared.”
Where to find sandbags
Manatee County announced sandbags will be available beginning at noon at the following locations:
- Coquina Beach, 1507 S. Gulf Dr., Bradenton Beach
- Lincoln Park, 501 17th St. E., Palmetto
There will also be a self-serve location just south of the former Manatee County Utilities Headquarters at 4410 66th Street W. in Bradenton.
County officials said they will also make sandbags available for areas at risk of flooding at the Rubonia Community Center, 1309 72nd St. E., Palmetto and the Myakka City Community Center, 10060 Wachula Road, Myakka City.
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