Andy Fossa said 54,600 Pasco County homes lie off the west side of U.S. 19, where canal-front neighborhoods and marinas access the Gulf of Mexico.

County emergency responders were expecting to find fatalities after a surge that reached 16 feet in some areas, significantly over the forecasted heights. Many coastal residents were caught off guard.

County officials asked people who live outside the boundaries of the evacuation order to also consider evacuating or moving into one of the county's six shelters.

Time is running out to evacuate before Hurricane Helene makes landfall. Residents in evacuation Zone A are under a mandatory evacuation order and must leave immediately. It is not safe to stay in homes along Pasco County’s coastline,

The Pasco County Commission is holding an emergency meeting to consider a local state of emergency for Tropical Storm Helene.

Pasco County schools announced they will offer classes on Wednesday as scheduled, but then cancel after-school events and activities as the district prepares at least five campuses to serve as emergency shelters for Tropical Storm Helene.

Pasco County is opening six shelters on Wednesday. Shelters will open at Centennial Middle School, Fivay High School, Sunlake High School, River Ridge Middle and High School and Wiregrass Ranch High School on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

Families used their last full day before Hurricane Helene on Wednesday to prepare their homes, as storm surge became a big concern for those in Pasco County.