Weather Advisory (Posted, 10/08/2026, 4:30PM): Coastal Flood Advisory in effect from October 9, 08:00 AM EDT until October 10, 08:00 AM EDT
The City of Gulfport continues to monitor the weather forecast and encourages residents to remain informed and prepared for heavy rainfall and potential localized flooding over the next few days. The City’s self-service sandbag station remains open in the parking lot of the 49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th Street South. Residents may fill and pick up sandbags at their convenience, during and after normal business hours, to help protect their property from potential flooding.
- Sand and bags are available while supplies last.
- Limit of 10 sandbags per household.
- This is a self-service station.
Learn how to properly fill and place sandbags in the City of Gulfport Public Works tutorial.
Safety Reminder: Avoid flooded areas. Never walk or drive through floodwaters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
Continue to monitor National Weather Service forecasts and review flood safety information.
Boater Safety
Information on securing your boat during a storm.
Flood & Evaluation Zone
Resources on understanding your flood and evacuation zone.
Get Prepared
Tips for getting yourself, your family and your home ready for a storm.
Pet Preparedness
Information on securing your boat during a storm.
Shelter and Evacuation Resources
Where to go – and tips on how to get there.
Sandbags
Where to go – and tips on how to get there.
During and After the Storm
Resources for safety during and immediately following a storm.
Stay Informed
Local sources for news before, during and after the storm.
Debris Removal
Clean up can be overwhelming. Learn how to safely remove debris.
Special Precautions
EV vehicles and generators bring certain risks. Learn valuable safety tips.
Guide for Business Owners
Take action to protect employees, protect customers, and help ensure business continuity.
Additional Resources and Information
Important links and information on sarety, flood mitigation and other helpful information.
Resources for Kids
Storms are scary for kids. Fun activities for kids.
Gulfport Recovers
Tips for residents, by residents
Flood Information
Information on flood management, warning systems, safety and more
Emergency Assistance
Visit Pinellas County Emergency Assistance page.
Know Your Risk
Quick Check List
If a disaster were to hit today, would you be ready? Could you, your family, and your property survive? Are you prepared? What would you do? Where would you go? These are the basic questions everyone faces when a flood, hurricane, or any other disaster could strike.
Everyone should start with the basics:
- Am I in a flood zone?
- Find your Evacuation Zone
- Create a storm plan
- Create your Evacuation Plan in advance.
- Stay Informed
- Register for Alert Pinellas
- Download the Ready Pinellas Emergency Planning App
- Sign Up for Gulfport City Emails (If you are not already subscribed)
- Pinellas County Emergency Management. Residents are encouraged to call (727) 464-4333 for information throughout the storm threat.
- Watch GTV 640, the City’s government cable access channel. (Spectrum Cable Only)
- Follow the City of Gulfport on Facebook for update announcements and information
- Citizens Information Call Center – (727) 893-1000 – Residents can speak with a live operator to ask questions, receive updates, or request assistance.
- Protect your home or business
Flood and Evacuation Zones
Preparedness Tips
▶️ Watch: Hurricane Preparedness 2026
▶️ Watch: Disaster Preparedness for Seniors
The first action that everyone should take is to have a plan. Be prepared and have a hurricane or disaster kit on hand.
- Pinellas County Build Your Emergency Kit Assembling an emergency kit now can help you make sure you and your family have what you need in an emergency. Keep these items ready to go in case you need them on a moment’s notice.
- Sign up to receive emergency notifications. We encourage all residents—whether you are experienced with storm events or new to the area—to read through this Hurricane Guide thoroughly, from cover to cover. It contains essential, up-to-date information to help you prepare, respond, and stay safe during hurricane season. This single publication brings together the most useful resources and guidance available in one place.
- Review Pinellas County’s Hurricane Guide Prepare yourself, your family, and your home and business in the event that you need to evacuate. Do not wait until a storm approaches. In addition, these important tools to help business owners and residents make decisions.
- Know Your Evacuation Zone Knowing your evacuation zone helps you make decisions about the safety of yourself and your family, and make plans in advance of a storm. Once you know your zone, review the Hurricane Guide to know what to do and what to expect. Always stay informed.
- Make a Plan Once you Know Your Risk, you can Make A Plan for how to respond if a hazard is threatening your safety. Your plan should include everyone in your family—adults, children, people with special needs and pets. You can also include your neighbors, friends or extended family in your plan.
- Stay Informed During an emergency, Pinellas County provides up-to-the-minute information to help you protect yourself, your loved ones and your property. During an emergency, check the Emergency Information page frequently for the latest official information.
Pet Preparedness
▶️ Watch: Pet Preparedness for Local Shelters
Pets are an important part of your family. Making an emergency plan that includes them, especially for hurricane season, is part of providing them with the best care possible and an essential step while living in Florida. Read: Pinellas County’s Preparing Pets For Emergencies.
Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area (outside of an evacuation zone) to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size, and species. Ask if “no pet” policies could be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of “pet-friendly” places, including phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies.
Call ahead for reservations. Go to Pet’s Welcome to search pet friendly hotels and motels.
Ask friends, relatives or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals. If you have more than one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared to house them separately.
Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.
Contact local animal shelters to find out if they offer emergency shelter or foster care for pets during a disaster. Animal shelters may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have, as well as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last resort.
Items to include in your pet disaster supply kit:
- Enough food & water for at least 7 days
- Any medications & vet paperwork
- Collars with ID tags & sturdy leashes/ carriers
- Favorite toys & comfort items
Shelter and Evacuation Resources
Pinellas County Shelter Information
Special Needs Registry
▶️ Watch: Special Need Shelters in Pinellas County
The Pinellas County Special Needs Evacuation Program provides transportation and sheltering assistance to Pinellas County residents with certain medical needs or with challenges accessing emergency shelters. Don’t wait until the storm approaches – register before the start of hurricane season on June 1st. Call Gulfport Fire & Rescue Captain Grady at (727) 893-1062 with questions, or simply register online.
How to register? There are several ways to register for the program:
- Register online
- Request a form be mailed to you. Call Pinellas County Emergency Management at (727) 464-3800.
- Print out a form and mail it to Pinellas County Emergency Management, 10750 Ulmerton Road, Building 1, Suite 267, Largo FL 33778 or fax to (727) 464-4024.
Pinellas County Emergency Management (PCEM) maintains a list of eligible residents to identify and support individuals who need assistance during an emergency evacuation. This program can prevent hurricane-related injuries and death of the special needs population of the City of Gulfport. You are encouraged to register before the start of the hurricane season (June 1st). By registering, you’re taking proactive steps to safeguard yourself or your loved ones during emergencies.
Evacuation Routes
Traffic Updates
Stay prepared and use FL511.com for information on traffic and road conditions before and after a storm. Provides up-to-the-minute traffic information for Florida. View the real time traffic map with travel times, traffic accident details, traffic cameras and more…
Recommended Paths
If you choose to leave the County, know the major evacuation routes. The designated evacuation route to leave Pinellas County for the City of Gulfport is to travel eastward on Gulfport Boulevard South/22 Avenue South to I-275. Head north on I-275, crossing Tampa Bay on the Howard Franklin Bridge, and continue either northward on I-275/I-75 or eastward on I-4 to leave the region. An alternative route is to travel north on 49th Street South to 1st Avenue South. Turn right on 1st Avenue South and travel eastward to 20th Street South. Turn left and drive north to Interstate I-275. Continue either northward on I-275/I-75 or eastward on I-4 to leave the region. The following maps are the evacuation routes for Pinellas County. The first map illustrates the evacuation routes for south Pinellas County. The second map illustrates the regional evacuation routes that can assist in evacuations leaving Pinellas County. The map includes routes through Pasco and Hillsborough Counties.
Click on maps to view larger version.
Sandbag Use for Flood Prevention: A Cost-Effective Mitigation Strategy
▶️ Watch: Utilitizing Sandbags
One of the most cost-effective methods to mitigate flood-related damage is the strategic use of sandbags. While sandbags do not offer a completely watertight seal, they are a well-established and effective means of reducing water intrusion and flood impact when properly placed. The effectiveness of a sandbag barrier significantly depends on how it is assembled.
Instructions for Proper Sandbag Setup
- Site Preparation
- Identify Vulnerable Areas: Locate low-lying or flood-prone zones around your property, such as doorways, garages, window wells, or basement entrances.
- Clear the Placement Area: Remove any debris, leaves, or obstacles from the area where sandbags will be deployed to ensure stability and effectiveness.
- Placement of Sandbags
- Construct a Staggered Barrier: Arrange sandbags in a brick-like, overlapping pattern to interlock them and enhance the integrity of the barrier.
- Seal All Gaps: Avoid large gaps between bags. Use additional sandbags to fill in small openings and minimize water seepage.
- Layer for Height and Strength: Stack sandbags in multiple tiers, each layer slightly overlapping the one below it. For moderate to heavy rainfall, at least two to three layers are recommended.
- Enhanced Protection Techniques
- Elevate the Base Layer: Position the initial layer of sandbags on an elevated, solid surface (e.g., wooden boards or concrete) to prevent water absorption from below.
- Add a Plastic Barrier: For increased protection during heavy rain events, cover the sandbag structure with plastic sheeting or a tarp. This enhances water resistance and helps direct runoff away from vulnerable areas.
- Post-Storm Considerations
- Wait Before Removal: Do not remove sandbags until the floodwaters have fully receded. Premature removal may result in further water intrusion or structural damage.
- Proper Disposal: Sandbags that have been used for flood prevention should not be reused for landscaping or other purposes. They must be disposed of at the Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Complex, located at 3905 114th Ave. N.
Stay Informed Before, During and After the storm
National Hurricane Center
Central Florida Hurricane Center
NWS Tampa Bay Area Radar
Local Tide Chart
Buoy reports from NOAA
Local television stations
Stations within the Tampa Bay area that broadcast the emergency information, along with their internet websites, include:
| Channel | Name | Affilation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel 8 | WFLA | NBC | wfla.com |
| Channel 9 | BayNews9 | Independent | baynews9.com |
| Channel 10 | WTSP | CBS | wtsp.com |
| Channel 13 | WTVT | FOX | fox13news.com |
| Channel 28 | WFTS | ABC | wfts.com |
Special Precautions
Flood Risk Associated with Electric Vehicles (EVs)
The Importance of Securing Lithium-Powered Equipment, EV Vehicles, and Gasoline-Powered Vehicles to Prevent Fires
It is critical to understand the fire risks that arise in the event of flooding or water exposure. If you live in a surge- or flood-prone area, we strongly recommend moving your vehicles to higher ground. This is especially important for electric vehicles. Anything with a lithium-ion battery, such as golf carts, bikes, and scooters, can be at risk of fire if exposed to floodwaters. Taking these precautions to protect you and your property.
Risks Associated with Electric Vehicles (EVs)
EVs, especially when exposed to flooding, present a unique set of risks. If saltwater comes into contact with an EV’s battery cells, it can cause corrosion and damage, leading to a possible fire. These fires can occur even after the vehicle has been removed from floodwaters.
Key Safety Measures for EVs
Evacuate the vehicle to a safe distance: Any EV that has been exposed to flooding should be moved away from homes, parking garages, structures, and other vehicles as a precaution. A qualified professional must evaluate the vehicle before it is considered safe.
Gasoline and Diesel Engine Vehicle Risks
Vehicles with gasoline or diesel engines are also vulnerable to fires following water damage. Water exposure can cause electrical shorts, especially in the battery and ignition systems, which can lead to vehicle fires.
Key Safety Measures for Gasoline/Diesel Vehicles
Disconnect the battery: In any vehicle affected by water damage, the battery should be disconnected as soon as possible. Additionally, these vehicles should be parked away from homes, parking garages, and other structures until a professional can assess the extent of the damage.
Lithium-Powered Equipment: Scooters, E-Bikes, and Tools
Beyond vehicles, lithium-ion battery-powered equipment such as scooters, e-bikes, and battery-operated tools also pose a significant fire risk when exposed to water or subjected to overheating. The internal structure of lithium batteries is highly sensitive to damage from water, which can lead to short circuits and subsequent fires.
Key Safety Measure for Lithium-Powered Equipment
Secure outside and away from structures: To prevent potential fires, any lithium-powered equipment exposed to water or at risk of overheating should be stored outside and kept away from any structures, vehicles, or other flammable items.
In the aftermath of flooding or significant water exposure, it is essential to prioritize safety by ensuring that all lithium-powered devices, EVs, and gasoline-powered vehicles are handled properly. Taking preventive measures such as moving potentially affected vehicles and equipment away from structures and disconnecting batteries can help to mitigate the risk of fire.
Generator Safety
Never use a generator indoors or in a garage. To avoid electrocution, keep generators dry. Keep generators 20 Feet Away from windows, doors, vents & air conditioning equipment.
Fuel-burning equipment creates carbon monoxide (CO). This can include equipment like generators, pressure washers, charcoal grills, and camp stoves. You can’t smell or see carbon monoxide, but if it builds up in your home, it can cause sudden illness and death.
Never use portable gasoline or coal-burning equipment or camp stoves inside your home, basement or garage. Keep it outside and at least 20 feet from any window, door or vent.
Use a battery-operated or battery-backup CO detector any time you use a generator or anything else that burns fuel. If you have a CO detector and it starts beeping, leave your home right away and call 911.
During and After the Storm
Report a Power Outage
Duke Energy wants to help you stay safe during severe weather. Get tips for before, during and after a storm. Visit Duke Energy Storm Safety for more information.
If you see a fallen power line or safety hazard involving Duke Energy equipment, call Duke Energy at (800) 343-3525 or contact 911 immediately. Do not touch a power line or anything in contact with it and keep others away until help arrives.
Report your outage by texting OUT to 57801, report online or call (800) 343-3525.
The Duke Energy Outage map shows currently reported outages and includes any estimated restoration times. View the current outages online here.
Debris Removal
After a disaster event, debris collection runs will be made on multiple days throughout the affected areas. There is no need to call or submit a cleanup request, as the city will cover the entire city. Storm debris will be collected separately from your regular household trash and recycling, so please keep them in the following separated piles: garbage, yard waste, building debris, appliances, and other waste. The clean-up is expected to take several weeks to months.
To ensure a smooth removal process, please follow these guidelines:
- Place debris in the front of your property in the right of way
- Do not place debris near trees, poles, utility boxes, fire hydrants, or other structures that could make debris removal difficult or dangerous
- Do not place debris in alleyways
- Do not place debris on streets or block roadways
Debris removal guidelines
In efforts to expedite the debris removal process, please follow these rules:
- Placing debris near or on trees, poles or other structures makes removal difficult. This includes fire hydrants and meters.
- Debris should be placed curbside
- Debris should not block roadway
- Appliances – do not leave doors unsealed or unsecure
Debris separation
Please separate debris into the six categories.
- Electronics: Television, computer, stereo, phone, DVD player
- Large Appliances: Refrigerator, washer/dryer, air conditioner, stove, water heater, dishwasher
- Hazardous waste: Oil, battery, pesticide, paint, cleaning supplies, compressed gas
- Vegetative debris: Tree branches, leaves, logs, plants
- Construction debris: Building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing
- Household garbage: Bagged garbage, discarded food, paper, packaging.
Additional Resources and Information
Important Links
- Pinellas County: Know Your Zone
- Knowing your evacuation zone is the first step to planning for an emergency. It helps you make decisions about the safety of yourself and your family, and make plans in advance of a storm. Once you know your zone, review other guides that can help you Know Your Risk, Make a Plan, Stay Informed and Get Involved.
- Pinellas County: Know Your Risk
- Pinellas County: Make a Plan
- Once you know your risk, you can make a plan for how to respond if a hazard threatens your safety. Your plan should include everyone in your family—adults, children, people with special needs, and pets. You can also include your neighbors, friends, or extended family in your plan. If you are interested in helping others prepare for and recover from a disaster, visit with Jim Wright, the Volunteer Coordinator, Gulfport CERT team.
- Pinellas County: Stay Informed
- In the 2023 Ready-Set-Protect Webinar Series, Pinellas County Emergency Management and affiliated community partners discuss preparation, evacuation zones, emergency shelter options, special needs, and insurance considerations, providing information and resources to assist the community in best preparing for hurricane season.
- Watch the video on YouTube.
- Pinellas County: Build Your Emergency Kit
- Assembling an emergency kit now can help you make sure you and your family have what you need in an emergency. To simplify the process, Pinellas County Emergency Management recommends that you keep these items ready to go in case you need them on a moment’s notice.
- Pinellas County: Elevation Certificates
- Elevation Certificates (ECs) can be found on the County maps website for specific properties. ECs have vital information for risk regarding elevation and risks of flooding. Elevation Certificates are required for flood insurance.
- Southwest Florida Water Management District
- Southwest Florida Water Management District manages water resources for West-Central Florida as directed by State Law. The goal of the District is to meet the water needs of current and future water users while protecting and preserving the water resources. Flood protection is provided through structural and nonstructural methods. Water-related natural systems are protected by land purchases that store floodwaters, secure future water supply, or serve other water-related functions. Additional protection includes habitat restoration and establishment of minimum flows and levels for water bodies.
- Florida Disaster: Preparedness Information
- Florida Department of Emergency Management administers a statewide emergency management all-hazards preparedness program that includes emergency management planning, continuity of operations planning, catastrophic planning, grants, natural and man-made hazards, evacuation, and disaster assessment.
- National Weather Service
- The National Weather Service (NWS) prepares, provides, and responds to weather, water, and climate-dependent events while providing water and climate data, forecasts, warnings, and impact-based decision support services for the protection of life, property, and economy.
- NOAA Website
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, ocean, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. This mission provides information about our natural world and help protect its precious resources extending beyond national borders to monitor global weather and climate by working with partners around the world.
- The NOAA locates and maintains weather buoys on the NOAA Buoy webpage. One local buoy is the “Clam Bayou Buoy”, CLBF1. Its location is 27.736 N, 82.686 W. View the latest buoy information of the most current observation and hourly files.
- National Flood Insurance Program (Floodsmart)
- National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers flood insurance to help protect buildings and contents and reduce the socio-economic impact of floods. Flood insurance is available to property owners, renters, and businesses to aid in recovery when floodwaters recede. FEMA administers the NFIP through a public-private partnership between the federal government, the insurance industry, states, local officials, lending institutions, and property owners.
- FEMA: Flood Insurance
- The mission of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is helping people before, during, and after disasters. In order to fulfill this mission, FEMA coordinates with public and private sector organizations including the business industry, faith-based organizations, and voluntary organizations for improved disaster preparedness and response. Resources are available to ensure nationwide resilience and preparedness for all disasters.
Further Information Regarding Flood Mitigation, Flood Insurance, and Flood/Disaster-Related Issues
General Resources
Many sources of information exist that can be tapped into to answer these questions. Some of the best sites include:
- fema.gov – the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, for preparation, planning, communication plans, emergency or hurricane kits, mitigation, and flood insurance.
- floridadisaster.org – the Florida Division of Emergency Management for family, home and business disaster mitigation preparation.
- nhc.noaa.gov – the National Hurricane Center for tropical weather information.
- noaa.gov – the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for national and local weather alerts.
- floodsmart.gov – for information regarding flood insurance.
- pinellascounty.org – for evacuation level maps.
- ready.gov – for information regarding hurricane preparations.
- flash.org – the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes for information regarding strengthening homes and safeguarding families.