In preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia, county officials are announcing some Tampa Bay evacuation orders. Hillsborough County has already issued a mandatory evacuation for zone A. Click here to check available sandbag locations near you.
We will be updating this post as we receive more news. Below are the following counties with zones under mandatory evacuations and information to find your evacuation zone if you are unsure.
Hillsborough County:
Mandatory evacuation order for Evacuation Zone A + those in mobile/manufactured homes & residents in low-lying areas prone to flooding.
EVACUATION UPDATE: @HillsboroughFL has issued a mandatory evacuation order for Evacuation Zone A + those in mobile/manufactured homes & residents in low-lying areas prone to flooding.
— City of Tampa (@CityofTampa) August 28, 2023
Find your zone with Hillsborough County's map: https://t.co/Bw1DKIxOxj pic.twitter.com/VM5TSdc4cE
Do you know the difference between a flood zone and an evacuation zone? 🤷♀️
— Hillsborough County (@HillsboroughFL) August 28, 2023
Knowing your zone can better prepare you and your family during a storm.
Learn the difference and find out your zone here: https://t.co/RNjNysotji
Pinellas County:
Pinellas County has ordered the mandatory evacuation of Zone A, including all mobile homes, effective tonight, Monday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. Check your evacuation zone by clicking here.
Anticipating possible life-threatening storm surge as Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to become a major hurricane, Pinellas County has ordered the mandatory evacuation of Zone A, including all mobile homes, effective tonight, Monday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/goGgcQ6rk5
— Pinellas County (@PinellasGov) August 28, 2023
We will update this page with any new information
5 Things You Should Have Before Hurricane Season Starts
Empty Sand Bags
Remember when everyone was scrambling all over Pinellas and Hillsborough counties looking for sand bags? Most pick-up locations were only allowing people to pick up 2-3 bags per person, which is probably not enough to surround your house/belongings.
The mile-long line for sand bags in Tampa last year when Hurricane Ian was still heading towards Tampa Bay. Photo by: BBGI
If you order these empty sandbags on Amazon now, you should have them by next week. It will make your life a lot easier to just drive to your nearest beach or causeway and fill the bags up that way.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Battery Powered Fan
We all know how crappy it is to lose power in the middle of a hurricane. In some cases, you may not know when it will be restored. Amazon has this really cool battery powered camping lantern with a fan for only $20. Reviews say that 1 set of D batteries lasted them over 10 hours.
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Footwear
If you live in Florida and don’t have a decent pair of rain boots, now is your time to get a pair. If the thought of gross storm water touching your skin freaks you out, you should grab a pair of these knee high waterproof boots.
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Honorary Mention: Board Games/Deck of Cards/Coloring Books
This one may seem obvious, which is why we made it an honorary mention in case it does slip your mind. Remember how bored you were when you lost power from Ian? Some board games, deck of cards, or coloring books should help you pass the time, without killing your phone battery.
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