Hurricane Milton strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane Monday on a path toward Florida population centers, threatening a 12-foot storm surge in Tampa Bay and setting the stage for potential mass evacuations less than two weeks after a catastrophic Hurricane Helene swamped the coastline.
More than 50 of Florida's counties are under states of emergency.
Track the latest evacuation orders of residents from the state here:
Mandatory evacuation zones
Charlotte County: Charlotte County Emergency Management has issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents in Red Zone-A and Orange Zone-B. The evacuation also includes residents in any zone living in mobile and manufactured homes.
Hillsborough County: Hillsborough County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for Evacuation Zones A and B, and for all mobile homes and manufactured housing throughout the County starting at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7.
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Citrus County: Mandatory Evacuation starting at 8 AM Tuesday, October 8, for anyone in Citrus County residing in campers, tents, mobile homes, manufactured homes, or any structure not capable of withstanding sustained winds of up to 110MPH.
Manatee County: Evacuations of all persons in Level A, B, and C—and all residents or visitors in RVs or Mobile Homes—ahead of Hurricane Milton beginning at 2 p.m., Monday October 7.
Hernando County: Mandatory evacuation orders have been announced to start at 8am on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Mandatory Evacuations have been issued for all areas west of US 19, which includes evacuation zones A, B, and C. All residents living in coastal and low-lying areas, as well as manufactured homes county wide, are included.
Lee County: Lee County has issued mandatory evacuation orders for Zones A and B. If you live in these zones, finalize your emergency plans and leave as soon as you can to get to safety. You should be in a safe place by Tuesday, Oct. 8, in the evening.
Pasco County: Mandatory
More coverage
Voluntary/information
Glades County: Voluntary
Pinellas County: Evacuation Order: Pinellas County has issued an evacuation order for all residential healthcare facilities within Zone A, B and C. A mandatory evacuation for all special needs residents in these zones begins at noon today (Oct. 7, 2024). The mandatory orders are only for these facilities, but Pinellas County is encouraging voluntary evacuation for residents in Zone A, B and C and mobile homes in advance of possible mandatory orders later today. At-risk residents can evacuate only a few miles to higher ground and safe structures outside of Zone C.
Sarasota County: Update 7:20 a.m. Oct. 7: If you are in Sarasota County and you live in Level A or close to Level A, a manufactured home community or a mobile or boat home, NOW is the time to implement your plan, whether it’s staying with a family member or friend in a different level or leaving the area. If your plan is to leave the area, do so now, today, Monday.
Okeechobee County: A VOLUNTARY EVACUATION will be issued on Tuesday 10/8/24 at 5:00 p.m. for all low-lying areas and mobile homes.
For the latest information, visit this website.
