As of 9 a.m., officials were already reporting some street flooding on barrier islands and other coastal or low-lying areas.

Pinellas County officials issued a mandatory evacuation order Tuesday for residents in evacuation Zone A who live in health care facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living centers.

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. - PSTA will be providing a one-time evacuation bus service along route 555 at 10 a.m. today, September 26th. This is a crucial opportunity for those needing public transportation assistance to evacuate.

Officials in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties have issued mandatory evacuations for people located in Zone A, areas that are low-lying and prone to flooding.

While a mandatory evacuation order is in effect for residents in Zone A ahead of Hurricane Helene’s arrival Thursday, the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office does plan to move inmates from the overcrowded jail that sits within a flood prone area.