Eta news and updates

This page contains all Observer stories on Tropical Storm Eta. It will be updated as the storm develops. 

4:30 p.m. — City and county assess damage from Eta. Submerged roads were a major concern during the height of the tropical storm. 

3:45 p.m. Manatee school leaders reverse decision on Friday In-person classes will be held as normal. 

1:45 p.m. — Longbeach Village residents clean up The 'perfect storm' combination of normal tide and storm surge send bay waters streaming into neighborhood.  (Photo gallery)

9 a.m., —Longboat flooding prompts some to head to shelters Longboat Key officials begin assessing the town after a night of wind, rain and water rise. (Photo gallery)

7 p.m. —  Sarasota Police restrict bridge travel to barrier islands. Flooding on Lido Key and elsewhere prompts decision to limit travel to only emergency vehicles and residents.

5:30 p.m. Manatee officials said county escaped direct hit.  Manatee County emergency officials say they have received only a few reports of localized flooding and standing water on Anna Maria Island

1 p.m. — Sarasota County leaders urge residents to shelter in place. No evacuations have been ordered and no shelters have been opened. 

11:45 a.m. — Tornado warning issued for Sarasota, Manatee counties. The National Weather Service is advising those in the affected area to take cover through 12:30 p.m.

11:36 a.m. — Lakewood Ranch area expected to see minimal effects of Hurricane Eta. Fast-moving storm has put low-lying and island communities on watch, but flooding not expected in East County.

11:35 a.m. — Longboat Key makes preparations ahead of Eta. The town is not planning to evacuate as of noon Wednesday.

11:15 a.m. — Hurricane Eta prompts early school closing in Sarasota; Manatee district says school buildings will close on Thursday and Friday, with distance learning still underway.

11 a.m. — Observer delivery will be delayed due to Hurricane Eta.