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.
The precise location of the landfall remained uncertain, but a Category 3 or 4 hurricane was a possibility as the oceanic heat fuels it over the Gulf of Mexico.
“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.
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.
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.
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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