The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office continues to assess damages and road conditions following Tropical Storm Eta.
Throughout the night, and into today, Command Staff are in the Emergency Operations Center monitoring the storm's aftermath. Meanwhile, deputies have also been working around the clock, clearing debris from roadways, and placing barricades on flooded streets to warn drivers of high water.
Over the past 24 hours, HCSO responded to more than 100 storm-related calls. The main problems encountered were street flooding, downed power lines, and outages that affected several traffic lights. In response, deputies were assigned to larger intersections and activated their patrol lights, to help ensure drivers crossed through safely.
As of now, most lane closures have been lifted and traffic lights are working again. In Brandon, Gornto Lake Road, south of Causeway Boulevard, as well as Columbus Drive, just east of Highway 301, at the railroad tracks, will be of the last major intersections to open up. Several residential streets in Apollo Beach experienced significant flooding and are being closely monitored.
"Overall, Hillsborough County was very fortunate and did not experience major damages or problems related to Tropical Storm Eta," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our team remained alert and responded quickly to help drivers navigate flooded streets, and diligently removed debris that posed safety risks. I urge everyone who is heading out this morning to be use caution, as tree limbs and branches may continue to fall."
To report an incident please call our non-emergency number (813) 247-8200. If you need immediate assistance please call 911.
