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Debris Pick-Up Information for the City of Auburndale

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A message from the City of Auburndale, FL Government: When it is safe to do so, please place debris from Hurricane Milton on the curbside. Claw trucks will pick up debris as soon as possible for those in the City limits. Once conditions are safe, residents may place debris at the curbside to be picked up.

Please separate debris into piles based on type of material:

  • Yard Debris (limbs, clippings, bagged trimmings, etc.)
  • Lumber (wood fencing, dock wood, siding, etc.)
  • Construction (roof shingles, concrete, non-wooded fencing, etc.)
  • Other (damaged lawn ornaments, furniture, etc.)

Thank you and please be safe!

Post Storm Information and Safety

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Polk County Emergency Management –

Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2024) – As the weather begins to clear up this morning, it’s important that you remain indoors and avoid travel. Polk County is just beginning to assess the roadways for safety hazards. Help your fellow Polk County residents by staying off the roads. We will keep you informed as conditions improve and recovery efforts begin.

Please do not call 911 unless your situation is life-threatening; 911 calls are currently being assessed for urgency to determine priorities during the event.

Polk County’s Emergency Management Division encourages residents to use the Citizen’s Information Line to answer Hurricane Milton-related questions. Call the Citizen’s Information Line at (863) 298-7500(locally) or toll-free at (866) 661-0228.

While the Citizen’s Information Line cannot assist you with power outages or utility issues, it can provide information to help you plan for hurricane recovery.

For the most up-to-date information, please monitor your local news media. Check the county website for updates at www.polk-county.net. You may also obtain further emergency information at www.facebook.com/polkcountyem and www.twitter.com/polkemergency.

Flash Flood EMERGENCY for Areas in Polk County

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The National Weather Service has extended a flash flood warning –

Action Recommended

Avoid the subject event as per the instructions

Issued By

Tampa Bay/Ruskin – FL, US, National Weather Service

Affected Area

Polk County

Description

…FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY FOR LAKELAND, WINTER HAVEN, WESLEY CHAPEL…

The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin has extended the Flash Flood Warning for… Northwestern Polk County in central Florida… Southeastern Sumter County in central Florida… Southwestern Hernando County in west central Florida… Northern Hillsborough County in west central Florida… Pasco County in west central Florida… Pinellas County in west central Florida… Until 400 AM EDT.

At 1011 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 8 and 12 inches of rain have fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Lakeland, Winter Haven, Wesley Chapel. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW! HAZARD…Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE…Radar.

IMPACT…This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW! Life threatening flash flooding of low water crossings, small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include… Tampa, Spring Hill, Lakeland, Plant City, Winter Haven, Haines City, Bartow, New Port Richey, Lake Wales, Auburndale, Zephyrhills, Dade City, Brandon, Lutz, Fish Hawk, Hudson, Holiday, St. Leo, Zephyrhills South and Zephyrhills North.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Move to higher ground now! This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. Stay away or be swept away. River banks and culverts can become unstable and unsafe.

FLASH FLOOD…RADAR INDICATED; FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT…CATASTROPHIC

Update on Hurricane Milton

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National Hurricane Center-

…MILTON APPROACHING THE COAST OF WEST-CENTRAL FLORIDA…

…LIFE-THREATENING STORM SURGE, DAMAGING WINDS, AND FLOODING RAINS EXPECTED ACROSS PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHWESTERN FLORIDA…

At 500 PM EDT (2100 UTC), the center of Hurricane Milton was located near 60 miles west-southwest of Sarasota, Florida. Milton is moving toward the northeast near 17 mph (28 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue through tonight. A turn toward the east-northeast is expected on Thursday, followed by a turn toward the east on Friday. On the forecast track, the center of Milton will make landfall near or just south of the Tampa Bay region this evening, move across the central part of the Florida peninsula overnight, and emerge off the east coast of Florida on Thursday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 120 mph (195 km/h) with higher gusts. Milton is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Milton could still be a major hurricane when it reaches the coast of west-central Florida this evening, and it will remain a hurricane while it moves across central Florida through Thursday. Milton is forecast to weaken over the western Atlantic and become extratropical by Thursday night.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 255 miles (405 km). A WeatherFlow site located in Egmont Channel (XEGM) recently reported a sustained wind speed of 51 mph (82 km/h) with a wind gust of 63 mph (102 km/h). A WeatherFlow site located on the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier (XSKY) recently reported a sustained
wind speed of 47 mph (76 km/h) with a wind gust of 62 mph (100 km/h).

The minimum central pressure based on Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter data is 948 mb (28.00 inches).

Flash Flood Warning Issued for Polk County Until This Evening

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Flash flood warning until 6:15 p.m. issued by the National Weather Service:

Action Recommended

Avoid the subject event as per the instructions

Issued By

Tampa Bay/Ruskin – FL, US, National Weather Service

Affected Area

Polk County

Description

The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin has issued a Flash Flood Warning for… Hardee County in central Florida… Polk County in central Florida… Northeastern DeSoto County in south central Florida… Highlands County in south central Florida… Hillsborough County in west central Florida… Manatee County in west central Florida… Until 615 PM EDT. At 312 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD…Flash flooding caused by heavy rain. SOURCE…Radar. IMPACT…Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include… Tampa, Lakeland, Plant City, Winter Haven, Temple Terrace, Haines City, Bartow, Lake Wales, Auburndale, Sebring, Avon Park, Wauchula, Lake Placid, Fish Hawk, Brandon, Lutz, Ona, Jan Phyl Village, Medulla and Fussels Corner. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. FLASH FLOOD…RADAR INDICATED

A Message From PCPS Superintendent Regarding Shelter Donations

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“This is Fred Heid, Superintendent of Polk County Public Schools.

First, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has reached out to offer support and assistance during this challenging time. It is truly inspiring to see how our community comes together in moments of need, demonstrating compassion, generosity, and a willingness to help one another. Your offers to request donations of items such as pillows, bedding, sheets, blankets, and clothing show just how deeply you care for those in our shelters, and I cannot thank you enough for that.

However, due to specific health, safety, and logistical protocols that we must follow in managing our shelters, we are unable to accept these donated items at this time. While the intentions are greatly appreciated, we must ensure that all items used in the shelters meet strict hygiene and safety standards, especially in the aftermath of a storm when the health and well-being of all shelter occupants is our top priority.

The safety of our students, families, staff, and community members is at the forefront of every decision we make. We must minimize any potential health risks, and that includes being cautious about the types of items that come into our shelters. Rest assured, the shelters are equipped with necessary supplies, and we continue to work with local and state agencies to ensure that all those seeking refuge are safe and well-cared for. Additionally, families are provided a list of shelter requirements by the county that can be found online.  

We encourage those who still wish to contribute to consider other ways to support our efforts. Donations to trusted disaster relief organizations, volunteering with approved agencies, or simply staying informed and sharing accurate information are all vital forms of assistance during this time.

Again, thank you for your generosity and understanding. It is during times like these that the strength and unity of our community shines the brightest. Together, we will get through this, and your continued support means the world to all of us.

Please stay safe, and thank you for being a part of our collective effort to ensure the well-being of everyone in our community.”

 

Polk County’s Emergency Operations Center Working Hard to Make Sure County Residents Are Safe as Hurricane Approaches

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Polk County Emergency Management –

Polk County’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated and staffed since Saturday in advance of Hurricane Milton’s arrival. Polk County employees and community partners are working long hours to make sure the county’s residents are safe as Hurricane Milton approaches. Employees are helping residents sign up for shelters and arranging transportation to the shelters when necessary, as well as answering storm-related questions.

Additionally, members of Polk County Board of County Commissioners leadership team, led by Emergency Management Director Paul Womble, are working around the clock. They are coordinating with state and local partners to gather and share information to keep the county’s residents safe.

Visit www.polk-county.net to receive important, up-to-date information.

City of Winter Haven Announces Solid Waste Schedule Changes

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City of Winter Haven Solid Waste Schedule Changes

There will be no garbage or recycling collection Wednesday or Thursday due to severe weather impacts from Hurricane Milton. Best case scenario, Thursday’s routes will be collected Friday, and Friday routes will be collected Saturday. Please check back for updated information Thursday afternoon before putting any cans curbside. 

USPS Polk Operations Suspended Ahead Of Hurricane Milton

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Some USPS Operations Temporarily Suspended Ahead of Hurricane Milton 

 

CENTRAL FLORIDA – As Hurricane Milton approaches, and to ensure the safety of customers and employees, the Postal Service is temporarily suspending retail and delivery operations in the specific 3-digit ZIP Code areas listed below.  Additional information will be provided in the coming days to keep the public aware of the status of mail and package delivery service and retail service availability.

 

ZIP Codes beginning with 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 341, 342, and 346:

 

Effective at 2:00 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, all retail and delivery operations for facilities in the 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 341, 342 and 346 3-Digit ZIP Code Areas will be temporarily suspended until further notice due to Hurricane Milton.

 

No alternate sites are available at this time.

 

Customers can call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) to obtain information, including available alternate Post Office retail locations, or check the Postal Service website, www.usps.com, the Post Office that’s always open. The Postal Service’s smartphone app makes it even quicker to use the most popular functions on www.usps.com, anytime and anywhere.

We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience to our customers. The Postal Service appreciates its customers and thanks them for their patience.

USPS Service Alerts provide information to consumers, small businesses and business mailers about postal facility service disruptions due to weather-related and other natural disasters or events. Updated information is available at https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/.

HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED

– Lakeland

– Winter Haven

– Bartow

* WIND

– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Cat 1 Hurricane force wind

– Peak Wind Forecast: 60-80 mph with gusts to 100 mph

– Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Wednesday evening
until Thursday afternoon

– Window for Hurricane force winds: Wednesday evening until
Thursday morning

– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind
greater than 110 mph

– The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.

– PLAN: Plan for extreme wind of equivalent CAT 3 hurricane
force or higher.

– PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property
should be urgently completed. Prepare for catastrophic wind
damage.

– ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Devastating to Catastrophic

– Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete
roof and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile
homes. Damage greatly accentuated by large airborne
projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks or
months.

– Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences
and roadway signs blown over.

– Many roads impassable from large debris, and more within
urban or heavily wooded places. Many bridges, causeways,
and access routes impassable.

– Widespread power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN

– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect

– Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 4-8 inches, with locally
higher amounts

– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for extreme
flooding rain

– The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.

– PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
extreme flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues
are likely.

– PREPARE: Urgently consider protective actions from extreme
and widespread rainfall flooding.

– ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Devastating to Catastrophic

– Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations
and rescues.

– Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their
banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams,
creeks, canals, and ditches may become raging rivers. Flood
control systems and barriers may become stressed.

– Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or
washed away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover
escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of
raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions
become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures
with some weakened or washed out.

* TORNADO

– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:

– Situation is favorable for tornadoes

– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several
tornadoes

– The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.

– PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger
damage paths.

– PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are
urged to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather
arrives.

– ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado
warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant

– The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.

– Several places may experience tornado damage with a few
spots of considerable damage, power loss, and
communications failures.

– Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped
or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

* FOR MORE INFORMATION:

USPS Polk Operations Suspended Ahead Of Hurricane Milton

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Some USPS Operations Temporarily Suspended Ahead of Hurricane Milton 

 

CENTRAL FLORIDA – As Hurricane Milton approaches, and to ensure the safety of customers and employees, the Postal Service is temporarily suspending retail and delivery operations in the specific 3-digit ZIP Code areas listed below.  Additional information will be provided in the coming days to keep the public aware of the status of mail and package delivery service and retail service availability.

 

ZIP Codes beginning with 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 341, 342, and 346:

 

Effective at 2:00 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, all retail and delivery operations for facilities in the 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 341, 342 and 346 3-Digit ZIP Code Areas will be temporarily suspended until further notice due to Hurricane Milton.

 

No alternate sites are available at this time.

 

Customers can call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) to obtain information, including available alternate Post Office retail locations, or check the Postal Service website, www.usps.com, the Post Office that’s always open. The Postal Service’s smartphone app makes it even quicker to use the most popular functions on www.usps.com, anytime and anywhere.

We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience to our customers. The Postal Service appreciates its customers and thanks them for their patience.

USPS Service Alerts provide information to consumers, small businesses and business mailers about postal facility service disruptions due to weather-related and other natural disasters or events. Updated information is available at https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/.

HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED

– Lakeland

– Winter Haven

– Bartow

* WIND

– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Cat 1 Hurricane force wind

– Peak Wind Forecast: 60-80 mph with gusts to 100 mph

– Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Wednesday evening
until Thursday afternoon

– Window for Hurricane force winds: Wednesday evening until
Thursday morning

– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind
greater than 110 mph

– The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.

– PLAN: Plan for extreme wind of equivalent CAT 3 hurricane
force or higher.

– PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property
should be urgently completed. Prepare for catastrophic wind
damage.

– ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Devastating to Catastrophic

– Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete
roof and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile
homes. Damage greatly accentuated by large airborne
projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks or
months.

– Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences
and roadway signs blown over.

– Many roads impassable from large debris, and more within
urban or heavily wooded places. Many bridges, causeways,
and access routes impassable.

– Widespread power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN

– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect

– Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 4-8 inches, with locally
higher amounts

– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for extreme
flooding rain

– The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.

– PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
extreme flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues
are likely.

– PREPARE: Urgently consider protective actions from extreme
and widespread rainfall flooding.

– ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Devastating to Catastrophic

– Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations
and rescues.

– Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their
banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams,
creeks, canals, and ditches may become raging rivers. Flood
control systems and barriers may become stressed.

– Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or
washed away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover
escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of
raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions
become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures
with some weakened or washed out.

* TORNADO

– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:

– Situation is favorable for tornadoes

– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several
tornadoes

– The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.

– PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger
damage paths.

– PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are
urged to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather
arrives.

– ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado
warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant

– The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.

– Several places may experience tornado damage with a few
spots of considerable damage, power loss, and
communications failures.

– Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped
or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

* FOR MORE INFORMATION: