ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tampa Bay-area officials are issuing evacuation orders ahead of Tropical Storm Debby, which now is in the Gulf of Mexico.
The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, tropical storm conditions and storm surge in the area starting late Saturday. A tropical storm warning is currently in effect for Florida's western Gulf coast, including the Tampa Bay area.
Heavy rainfall will likely be the most significant impact, with flooding possible from storm surge.
Here's a rundown of evacuation orders — this list will be updated as more information is received:
Citrus County
A mandatory evacuation order is in effect for residents in Zone A, which includes all low-lying areas west of U.S. Highway 19 and some areas east of the highway.
The county declared a voluntary evacuation for all low-lying areas and anyone residing in campers, tents, mobile homes, manufactured homes or any structure not capable of withstanding 60 mph winds, according to a post by the county's sheriff's office.
Hernando County
Voluntary evacuations will be issued for Zone A starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday. This includes residents living in coastal and low-lying areas, as well as manufactured homes county-wide, according to a news release.
A public shelter is opening at 7 p.m. at West Hernando Middle School at 14325 Ken Austin Parkway in Brooksville.
Manatee County
A voluntary evacuation order is in effect for people who live in Zone A. County leaders will open Miller Elementary School (601 43rd St. W. in Bradenton) at 5 p.m. for those who wish to leave.
Nolan Middle School (6615 Greenbrook Blvd. in Bradenton) has been open since noon on Saturday.
Pasco County
There is a voluntary evacuation order for certain areas including low-lying areas, Zone A, RVs and manufactured or mobile homes, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
If riding out the storms with friends or family is not an option, the Fasano Regional Hurricane Center, located at 11611 Denton Avenue in Hudson, opened at 6 p.m. Saturday.