ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Hurricane Ian reached major hurricane status and has begun its approach toward Florida.
The Tampa Bay area is still in Ian's forecast cone, which has prompted many area leaders to brace and prepare for anticipated impacts from the storm. This means several counties have already issued mandatory evacuations for some areas.
It's important to know anyone who lives in a mobile or manufactured home must evacuate when a mandatory order is issued, regardless of if you live in the evacuated zone or not.
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If you're unsure of what evacuation zone you live in, you can find that by clicking here. For other county emergency resources for the storm, click here.
Here's a breakdown of which counties have issued mandatory evacuations and which zones:
Citrus County
County leaders have issued a mandatory evacuation for residents living in Zone A. This zone includes low-lying areas west of U.S. Highway 19 along with some areas east of the highway.
All other areas are advised to voluntarily evacuate. Leaders say especially those people living in mobile homes, manufactured homes and recreational vehicles throughout the county should evacuate.
Hardee County
No mandatory evacuation orders issued at this time.
However, there are two shelters available for those who need to move to a safer place.
For the general population: Hardee Junior K-8 - 2401 U.S. Highway 17th North, Wauchula
For people with special needs: South Florida State College, Hardee Campus - 2868 U.S. Highway 17th North, Bowling Green
Hernando County
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued Tuesday morning for all areas west of U.S. Highway 19, which includes evacuation zones A, B, and C, the county said.
All residents living in coastal and low-lying areas, as well as manufactured homes county-wide, are included.
People are advised to seek safe shelter with family or friends that reside in a safe structure. If this is not a possibility, a public shelter is now open at the following locations:
Challenger K-8 – Special Needs
13400 Elgin Blvd.
Spring Hill, FL 34609
The Mining Association Enrichment Center – General Population and Pet Friendly
800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd.
Brooksville, FL 34601
Explorer K-8 - General Population and Pet Friendly
10252 Northcliffe Blvd.,
Spring Hill, FL 34608
Highlands County
No mandatory evacuation orders issued at this time.
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County officials on Monday announced a mandatory evacuation order for all residents living within Zone A in advance of Hurricane Ian.
And as of Tuesday morning, leaders announced a mandatory Zone B evacuation effective at noon, including all low-lying areas, mobile and manufactured homes. They are urging people to get to safety by Tuesday evening.
Manatee County
Levels A and B in Manatee County are now officially under a mandatory evacuation order following the latest forecasts of Hurricane Ian.
County leaders say residents living in evacuation Level C are "encouraged to find shelter further inland."
Pasco County
County leaders issued mandatory evacuations for Zones A, B and C. People who live in a manufactured home, mobile home or RV are also asked to leave.
The following people are also mandated to evacuate:
- 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 registered with Pasco as a Special Needs Resident
- You would be vulnerable in the event of a power loss
Pinellas County
Pinellas County officials announced a mandatory evacuation issued for all residents in evacuation Zone A. This will be effective at 6 p.m. Monday.
Mandatory orders for evacuation zones B and C are effective as of 7 a.m. Tuesday.
All residential health care facilities will be under mandatory evacuation orders starting Monday, as well.
Polk County
No mandatory evacuation orders issued at this time.
Sarasota County
County officials have ordered an evacuation for people living in Levels A and B. This includes people who live in vessels and mobile or manufactured homes regardless of zone.