Southwest Florida counties are declaring a local state of emergency on Tuesday due to Tropical Storm Helene.
Charlotte County
The county is currently under a tropical storm surge watch.
Evacuations have been ordered for barrier islands, low-lying and flood-prone areas, manufactured homes and any homes that may not withstand high winds such as those that may be compromised from previous storms.
Shelters will be open at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Harold Avenue Regional Park located at 23400 Harold Ave., in Port Charlotte.
Kingsway Elementary School located at 23300 Quasar Blvd., in Port Charlotte, will also be open as a shelter.
Tropical storm-force winds are forecast for parts of Charlotte County as early as late Wednesday evening.
Storm surge is forecast to be between three and five feet in coastal areas.
For Tropical Storm Helene information, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000.
Lee County
The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted this afternoon to declare a State of Local Emergency, and commissioners announced that county offices will be closed Thursday.
Lee County continues to work with state and local partners to prepare for potential storm impacts. Residents are asked to take steps now to secure their homes and enact the safety plans they have developed for their families.
The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau announced that the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest events scheduled for Thursday and Friday are cancelled.
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