Catie Moore
As Hurricane Helene advances toward Florida, Polk County is preparing for strong winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding. Here’s what residents need to know, including updates on closures, storm preparations, and safety advisories.
Polk County Under Tropical Storm Warning
- Polk County is under a tropical storm warning, with sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph expected within the next 36 hours.
- Heavy rainfall is expected, with an estimated 3 to 6 inches, and wind gusts between 35 mph and 74 mph. Localized flooding is likely in some areas.
State of Emergency
- Governor Ron DeSantis has included Polk County in the state of emergency, urging coastal residents, particularly in the Big Bend area, to evacuate.
Polk County Emergency Management
- The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is actively monitoring the storm. Sandbag sites remain open, with approximately 40,000 bags distributed as of Wednesday.
- No shelters are planned to open at this time. The county’s most medically vulnerable residents were contacted by the Health Department on Tuesday to ensure emergency plans are in place.
Safety Warnings
- Downed Trees and Power Lines: Residents should avoid approaching downed trees or power lines, as they could be energized and pose a risk of electrocution.
- Driving During the Storm: High-profile vehicles risk tipping over in strong winds. Residents are advised to stay off the roads during the peak of the storm on Thursday.
- Floodwater Safety: Avoid wading through floodwaters, which may contain sewage, wildlife, or hidden hazards.
- Generator Safety: Keep generators at a safe distance from homes and businesses to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never operate a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces like garages.
Polk County Closures and Cancellations
- Solid Waste Collection: No cancellations or rescheduling have been announced for Thursday’s trash collection. The county is monitoring conditions and will provide updates as needed.
- Polk County Clerk of Courts: Closed on Thursday. All operations, including jury service, are expected to resume on Friday, pending storm impacts.
- Jurors summoned for Thursday should not report. Court hearings scheduled for Thursday will be rescheduled.
- Traffic tickets and court fines can be paid online. Payment deadlines are extended to end-of-day Friday.
- Lakeland Linder Airport: Remains open but is monitoring conditions closely. The air traffic control tower will shut down if wind speeds reach 60 mph for the safety of personnel. Amazon has temporarily ceased cargo operations.
- Transportation: All bus and transit services in Polk County will be unavailable on Thursday due to the storm. Dialysis patients with Thursday appointments have been accommodated with early transport on Wednesday.
School Closures
- Polk County Public Schools: Closed Thursday and Friday. All after-school activities on Wednesday will end by 6 p.m.
- Lake Wales Charter Schools: Closed Thursday and Friday. All after-school programs and sports activities canceled or rescheduled starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
- Schools of McKeel Academy: Canceled after-school activities on Wednesday and will close on Thursday and Friday.
- Polk State College: Closed Thursday and Friday, affecting all operations, including online and remote classes. Scheduled to reopen on Saturday.
- Florida Southern College: Campus closed Thursday, with classes moving online for Thursday and Friday.
- Warner University: All traditional classes are canceled for Thursday and Friday.
- Florida Polytechnic University: Campus closed from Wednesday at 8:30 p.m., with all classes and normal operations suspended Thursday and Friday.
Sandbag Distribution
- Open Sites: Sandbag stations remain open for residents, with 17,388 sandbags distributed on Tuesday alone. For specific locations, visit the county website or contact local emergency management.
Lakeland Storm Preparations
- Crews are actively working to clear drainage systems, canals, and ditches to handle the anticipated rainfall.
- Residents are urged to report any blocked stormwater drains or backed-up ditches to the city’s Lakes and Stormwater Division at 863-834-3300.
Grocery Stores
- Publix: Operating under normal business hours.
- Walmart: Providing a Hurricane Helene Disaster Response webpage to check store closures and post-storm relief efforts.
For more information and continuous updates on Hurricane Helene’s impact on Polk County, visit the Polk County Emergency Management website and local news sources. Stay safe and follow all advisories during the storm.
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