Soggy Longboat Key braces for worst of Hurricane Hermine weather Thursday night

“Road Under Water” signs sprouted up all over Longboat Key as streets and driveways flooded Wednesday and Thursday.

Tropical Storm Hermine dumped as much as 9 inches of water Wednesday on Longboat Key, according to the National Weather Service. As it strengthened into a hurricane Thursday, the remnants of Hermine doused Longboat again with an estimated 6 inches more of rain.

Storm winds whipped the surf into a frenzy, too, pushing the Gulf of Mexico and bay waters several hundred yards inland.

“Erosion is going up,” said Town Hall Manager David Bullock. “We’re starting to see bigger seas."

Some roads, such as Broadway in the Village, were impassable early Thursday afternoon.

“Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel (Thursday) as Hurricane Hermine’s effects are felt in Manatee and Sarasota counties,” read a release from Town Hall.

 Longboat Key has not seen the worst of the storm yet, according to the National Weather Service. The strongest wind and rains from Hurricane Hermine are expected to arrive after sundown Thursday in Longboat Key. Most of the heavy storm activity will occur during the night. 

The National Weather Service forecast 25-mph winds with gusts up to 45 mph. NWS extended its tropical storm warning south to Manatee and Sarasota counties earlier Thursday.    

 Flooded Longboat Key streets made it impossible for Waste Management to access all homes for garbage collection.

Residents are asked to move garbage carts inside until Waste Management can attempt collection Friday, weather permitting, or on the next service date, Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Affected streets: St Jude’s Drive, St Jude’s Drive North, St Jude’s Drive South, Gulf Bay Road, Jungle Queen Tarawitt and Companion Way.