Hillsborough County warns residents of dangerous storm surge

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Hillsborough County warns residents of the storm surge associated with Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene is expected to push tides as much as 5 to 8 feet higher than normal levels. With the storm’s speed, size, and path, a lot of the storm surge will arrive after Hurricane Helene passes by Tampa.

A delayed storm surge could mean areas could see a storm surge as Helene approaches Tampa Bay, but an even larger storm surge could happen hours later.

Areas in Hillsborough County that are in danger of the storm surge are residents that border Tampa Bay and the Alafia, Hillsborough, and Little Manatee rivers, according to Hillsborough County.

Helene’s rainfall could take days to filter into the rivers, causing water levels to stay high.

A mandatory evacuation for zone A and all manufactured homes has been issued for Hillsborough County.

Hillsborough County advises residents who have been evacuated to not return home until the evacuation order has been lifted.

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