Tampa Braces for Hurricane Milton: Evacuation Orders and Shelter Information

As of October 7, 2024, Hurricane Milton has intensified into a Category 6 hurricane, bringing life-threatening conditions to the Florida Gulf Coast. Rapidly strengthening over the Gulf of Mexico due to record-warm waters, Milton has become a major concern, especially for areas still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene just weeks ago.

Current Status and Projections

Hurricane Milton’s maximum sustained winds have reached 175 mph (280 km/h), making it one of the strongest storms of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Its minimum central pressure has plummeted, indicating further intensification before landfall. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is closely monitoring the situation, with updated warnings and evacuation orders in place for much of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

• Location: As of the latest advisory, Milton is located over the southern Gulf of Mexico, heading northeast at approximately 15 mph.
• Projected Path: Milton is expected to make landfall by Wednesday, with its most likely target being the areas surrounding Tampa Bay, Fort Myers, and Naples. The storm may also impact Orlando and the surrounding central Florida regions due to its vast size.

Tampa Evacuation Zones

Storm Surge and Flooding Threats

One of the most dangerous aspects of Hurricane Milton is the forecasted storm surge, which could reach as high as 15 feet in parts of Tampa Bay. Other regions, including Charlotte Harbor and Bonita Beach, are expected to see surge levels of 6 to 10 feet. This surge, combined with heavy rainfall, may lead to catastrophic flooding, especially in low-lying areas.

• Tampa Bay: Up to 15 feet of storm surge
• Fort Myers and Naples: 5 to 10 feet of storm surge
• Orlando and Central Florida: Potential for severe flooding due to heavy rains.

Evacuation and Preparations

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency, covering 51 of the state’s 67 counties. Mass evacuations have been ordered for vulnerable coastal areas, especially around Tampa Bay. Authorities stress the urgency of evacuating early, as storm conditions will deteriorate rapidly over the next 24-48 hours. President Biden has also approved a pre-landfall emergency declaration for Florida, facilitating swift federal assistance and disaster relief efforts.

Shelters near Tampa

Hurricane Milton is a rapidly evolving situation, and residents in its path should take immediate action to safeguard lives and property. Please stay updated through local news channels, official NHC advisories, and emergency services for the latest evacuation routes and safety protocols. If you are not directly affected by the storm, please consider donating to disaster relief organizations to aid recovery efforts for the communities that will be affected by Hurricane Milton. Your contributions will help provide food, water, shelter, and medical care to those who have lost everything. Thank you for your generosity and support.

1. Hillsborough County:
   • Burnett Middle School (Pet-friendly), Seffner
   • Durant High School (Pet-friendly), Plant City
   • Middleton High School (Pet-friendly), Tampa
   • Shields Middle School (Pet-friendly), Ruskin
   • Pizzo Elementary School (General population, no pets), Tampa
2. Pinellas County:
   • Largo High School, Largo (Pet-friendly)
   • Gibbs High School, St. Petersburg (Pet-friendly)
   • Palm Harbor University High School, Palm Harbor (General and special needs)
   • Oak Grove Middle School, Clearwater (Special needs)
3. Pasco County:
   • Centennial Middle School, Dade City
   • Fivay High School, Hudson
   • Wesley Chapel High School, Wesley Chapel
   • River Ridge Middle & High Schools, New Port Richey

These shelters provide various options, including pet-friendly accommodations and specialized facilities for those with special needs. Residents are encouraged to go to these locations if they are in evacuation zones or live in vulnerable housing such as mobile homes. For more detailed shelter lists and updates, you can follow local news sources and county websites

Spaghetti Models and Path Forecast

Spaghetti models and official forecasts show some uncertainty regarding the exact landfall location, but the consensus is that Milton will hit the central Gulf Coast of Florida by midweek. Current tracking suggests that the storm will continue moving northeast after landfall, potentially impacting Georgia, South Carolina, and other southeastern states with heavy rain and strong winds.

Key Updates and Safety Measures

• Storm Warnings: Hurricane Warnings are in effect from Bonita Beach to the Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay. Tropical Storm Warnings cover the Florida Keys and Lake Okeechobee.
• Flood Watches: Nearly all of central and southern Florida are under flood watches, with rainfall potentially exceeding 10-15 inches in some locations.
• Travel and Supplies: Shelves in stores across Florida are quickly emptying as residents prepare for the storm. Officials advise stocking up on essential supplies and following local evacuation routes.

When is landfall expected?

Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Wednesday evening, October 9, 2024, along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The storm is currently projected to hit somewhere near Tampa Bay and could bring catastrophic impacts, including a storm surge of up to 15 feet in some areas. As it approaches, Milton remains an extremely powerful Category 5 hurricane, and residents in evacuation zones are urged to complete preparations or evacuate immediately to shelters​.

Impact on Infrastructure and Recovery

Given the storm’s size and strength, widespread power outages and infrastructure damage are expected across the affected regions. Florida Power & Light and other utilities are mobilizing crews in preparation for major repairs post-landfall. The timing of Milton is particularly challenging, as many regions are still clearing debris from Hurricane Helene, exacerbating recovery efforts.

Hurricane Milton is a rapidly evolving situation, and residents in its path should take immediate action to safeguard lives and property. Stay updated through local news channels, official NHC advisories, and emergency services for the latest evacuation routes and safety protocols.

For those not directly impacted by the storm, consider donating to disaster relief organizations to aid recovery efforts for the communities that will be affected by Hurricane Milton.