Mandatory Evacuation Ordered For Tampa Area [VIDEO]

Tampa’s CBS affiliate reports:

Hillsborough County officials on Monday announced a mandatory evacuation order for all residents living within Zone A in advance of Hurricane Ian. A voluntary evacuation is recommended for residents living in Zone B. These evacuation orders will go into effect at 2 p.m. Monday.

In a news conference, officials said they are expecting to see a “significant storm surge” in the area. “This is not a drill, this is actual. We need to get out and prepare ourselves as well as prepare our families,” Tampa Fire Rescue Chief Barbara Tripp said during the conference.

Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise says residents could be stuck in shelters “for days” — they are, however, the last resort. For people able to travel farther inland, she added to seek shelter at least 20 miles in and away from coastal areas.

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