TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa area residents rushed to clean up Hurricane Helene’s debris before Hurricane Milton makes landfall on Wednesday somewhere in the Florida Gulf Coast.
With Milton strengthening into a Category 4 storm on Monday, Local 10 News spoke with residents in Hillsborough County who were up early, lining up to collect sandbags in preparation for potential flooding.
“This hurricane season’s been rough. It’s been rough,” said Mathis Saffore, a Hillsborough County resident.
“We didn’t have any flooding damage before, but the streets nearby did,” added John Maxwell, another resident. “Unfortunately, this time, it looks like we may not be as fortunate.”
HURRICANE SPECIALIST: Milton stronger, forecast to strike Florida’s west coast as a major hurricane this week
Pinellas County officials issued orders Sunday to evacuate about 6,600 patients from six hospitals, 25 nursing homes, and 44 assisted living facilities.
“If you’re on that west coast of Florida and barrier islands, just assume that you likely are going to be called upon to evacuate,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said on Sunday.
In Tampa, some were already evacuating coastal areas since the hurricane may disrupt water service and power. The Florida National Guard joined the effort to clear debris in the area.
“We’re really worried about the storm surge. We live off Bayshore,” said Gracey Maxwell. “It’s kind of a double whammy.”
The double whammy Maxwell refers to is the storm’s arrival just two weeks after Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage in areas like Davis Islands. Homes there remain flooded, and debris still lines the streets, awaiting removal.
“We’re really not sure what the fear level is going to be, but it’s pretty high,” Maxwell added.
As Milton’s path threatens the Tampa Bay area, some residents are preparing for the worst, including possible evacuation.
“We’re going to bar up some of the doors and do what we can,” John said. “If they tell us to leave, we gotta leave and hope when we get back, we still have a roof and four walls.”
Hillsborough County opened Middleton High School Sunday afternoon as an emergency shelter, as officials were preparing to issue evacuation orders.
RELATED STORY: Pinellas County to turn off barrier island’s water service
Pasco County officials also issued evacuation orders for residents living in flood-prone areas, manufactured homes, mobile homes, and recreational vehicles.
“We are preparing for the largest evacuation that we have seen, most likely since 2017, Hurricane Irma,” said Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Schools will close on Monday in Hillsborough, Sarasota, Pinellas, Pasco, and Manatee. Schools will close on Tuesday in Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, and Polk counties.
RELATED STORY: Florida Gulf Coast prepares for Hurricane Milton while still recovering from Hurricane Helene
St. Petersburg College and the University of Tampa close on Monday. The University of South Florida and the Pasco-Hernando State College close on Tuesday.
COVERAGE IN SOUTH FLORIDA: Flood watch in effect in Miami-Dade, Broward
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