TAMPA -- Counties in the Tampa Bay area are starting to order evacuations ahead of Idalia.
Hernando County is telling people who live west of U.S. 19 (Zones A,B,C) to evacuate. They're voluntary now but expected to become mandatory Tuesday morning. Shelters will open at noon. A general shelter is open at DS Parrott Middle School. It's also pet-friendly. There's a special needs shelter at West Hernando Middle School in Brooksville.
Pasco County has issued mandatory evacuations in Zone A and mobile homes, and voluntary evacuations in Zones B and C.
In Manatee County, a mandatory evacuation is in effect for Level A and mobile home parks. There's a voluntary evacuation in Level B. Both start at 2:00 p.m. Monday.
Here are the shelters opening at 2 p.m. in Manatee: (per county govt)
COUNTY SHELTER LOCATIONS (opening at 2 p.m.):
- Virgil Mills Elementary School
- 7200 69th Street E. Palmetto 34211
- Jesse P. Miller Elementary School
- 60143rd St. W, Bradenton 34209
- Freedom Elementary School
- 9515 FL 64, Bradenton 34212
Pasco and Hillsborough Counties have announced schools will close Tuesday and Wednesday.
Photo: National Hurricane Center