As Tropical Storm Helene intensifies and heads toward Florida, Hillsborough County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents in Zone A and all mobile and manufactured homes. The evacuation aims to safeguard the community from potential flooding, storm surges, and high winds expected to accompany the storm.
Who is Affected by the Evacuation Order?
The evacuation order primarily impacts:
- Residents living in Zone A, which includes low-lying areas prone to flooding.
- Mobile and manufactured home residents throughout the county, regardless of their zone. These structures are particularly vulnerable to high winds and heavy rain.
Authorities stress that even though the storm hasn't yet reached hurricane strength, the potential for severe damage remains high. Tropical storms can bring powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and localized flooding, making evacuation critical for certain areas.
Why is Evacuation Necessary?
Tropical Storm Helene is forecasted to bring dangerous conditions, including:
- Storm surge: Water levels in coastal areas could rise several feet, inundating streets and homes.
- Flooding: Heavy rainfall, combined with the existing high tides, could result in flash flooding, particularly in low-lying zones like Zone A.
- High winds: Mobile and manufactured homes are at greater risk from strong winds, which can easily damage or overturn these structures.
The county officials emphasize that delaying evacuation could put lives at risk, especially if road conditions deteriorate or access routes become flooded.
What Should Residents Do?
Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to:
- Evacuate as soon as possible. Seek shelter with friends or family in safer zones or head to a designated public shelter.
- Prepare an emergency kit, including water, non-perishable food, medications, important documents, and other essentials for at least 72 hours.
- Stay informed by monitoring local news, weather updates, and official county alerts for the latest information about the storm’s path and intensity.
Hillsborough County has also set up several emergency shelters for those who have no place to evacuate. If you're in Zone A or live in a mobile home, the county urges you to utilize these shelters, which are equipped to handle displaced residents during the storm.
What Happens If You Don't Evacuate?
Failure to follow the evacuation order may result in dangerous conditions that could jeopardize your safety and make it more difficult for emergency responders to reach you. Roads may become impassable, and emergency services may be limited during the height of the storm.
By evacuating early, residents can avoid being caught in worsening weather conditions, ensuring their safety and that of their families.
Conclusion
As Tropical Storm Helene approaches, Hillsborough County’s decision to issue a mandatory evacuation for Zone A and mobile homes is a precautionary measure aimed at saving lives. Residents in the affected areas are strongly urged to evacuate immediately, stay updated on the storm's progress, and take the necessary steps to protect themselves.
For continuous updates on the storm and evacuation procedures, visit the Hillsborough County Emergency Management website or tune in to local news channels.
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