Stay Off the Roads, Says County

The Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center is warning residents to stay indoors, if possible, during today's storms. 

If residents do not have to be out driving on the streets– especially in the Progress Village area – stay home, say EOC officials. There are many hazards including downed power lines and flooding, causing blocked roads.

For those who choose to travel, follow these guidelines:

• Stay away from downed powerlines, leaning trees and hanging branches
• Don’t drive through pooled water
• Treat traffic signals that aren’t working as four-way stops

The correct number to call in Hillsborough County for nonemergencies is 813-272-6900; not 911

TECO Energy is reporting 82,000 without power, including the Sun City Center and South Tampa areas.

With all the rain the past couple of days, expect the rivers to rise over the next couple of days

 Road that are currently blocked include:

• Bayshore and Interbay boulevards
• Sydney and Sydney-Dover riads
• U.S. 301 from Bill Tucker Road to 19th Avenue northeast
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between MacDill at Armenia avenues due to downed scaffolding
• A partial shutdown at Rome Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard due to flooding
• The Skyway Bridge is closed

No fatalities or significant injuries reported

Closures

• Head Start/Early Head Start Centers closed at 2:30 p.m. Parents are being noticed by phone/text
• The SouthShore Regional Library is without power and will remain closed the rest of the day
• County after-school programs are still open; potential closures are being discussed