Some Tampa Bay-area counties have issued evacuation orders ahead of impacts from Tropical Storm Idalia.
Forecasters expect the storm to become at least a major, Category 3 hurricane by Tuesday as it moves over the eastern Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center forecasts the possibility of hurricane-force wind with a significant, “life-threatening” storm surge not out of the question.
It is because of the threat of rising water and strong winds that evacuation orders are being issued.
To ensure everyone’s safety, people are urged to know their evacuation zones ahead of any possible voluntary or mandatory evacuations.
Hernando County
Voluntary evacuations have been issued in Hernando County for all areas west of U.S. 19. This includes evacuation zones A, B and C. People living in coastal or low-lying areas, including manufactured homes county-wide, are also included.
Residents are advised to find safe shelter with family or friends who live in a safe structure. If that’s not possible, a public shelter will be open beginning at noon Monday at the following locations:
- Brooksville: West Hernando Middle School – Special Needs, 14325 Ken Austin Pkwy.
- Brooksville: D. S. Parrott Middle School – General Population and Pet Friendly, 19220 Youth Dr.
If you are in need of the Special Needs shelter and have a pet, transportation can be arranged. Call the Hernando County Public Infomation Center at 352-754-4083 — it will open at 8 a.m. Monday.
Hillsborough County
MacDill Air Force Base is under a mandatory evacuation to be completed by 10 a.m. Tuesday. In a statement, leaders say this includes uniformed service members and their dependents and civilian employees and their dependents assigned to MacDill Air Force Base who reside in Hillsborough, Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties’ Evacuation Zone A only.
Manatee County
Manatee County leaders issued mandatory evacuations for Level A, including all mobile home parks and voluntary evacuations for Level B. These evacuations will take effect at 2 p.m. on Aug. 28.
“We’re expecting significant storm surge along the barrier islands and coastal communities for Idalia, with the earliest arrival predicted for Tuesday,” Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske said in a statement. “This is a very dangerous track that we all need to be aware of.”
Pasco County
Pasco County has issued a mandatory evacuation for certain areas and voluntary evacuations for others as life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force wind are expected to impact the county this week.
You must evacuate if one or more of the following applies to you:
- You live in Evacuation Zone A
- You live in a manufactured home, mobile home or RV anywhere in Pasco
- You live in a low-lying area or an area prone to flooding
- You live in a structure that historically has experienced flooding during heavy rainfall
- You’re in an area ordered evacuated by local authorities due to life-safety hazards
You should evacuate if one or more of the following applies to you:
- You live in Evacuation Zones B or C
- You’re registered with Pasco as a Special Needs Resident
- You would be vulnerable in the event of a power loss
Please consider riding out the storm with family or friends. If that’s not an option, you can evacuate directly to a Pasco County Shelter. Shelters will open at 8 a.m. Tuesday.