LARGO, Fla. — Hurricane Ian has its eye on Florida and already strengthened into a major Category 3 hurricane. Currently, there are hurricane and storm surge watches issued by the National Hurricane Center.
In anticipation of impacts from Ian, Pinellas County has announced mandatory evacuation orders for all residents living in evacuation Zone A. This order went into effect at 6 p.m. Monday.
All residential healthcare facilities were under mandatory evacuation orders starting Monday as well.
Pinellas County residents living in evacuation zones B and C are under mandatory evacuation effective 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Any tourists who are currently staying here should plan on leaving as soon as possible.
Emergency Management Director Kathy Perkins said the county recently updated its evacuation zones, so it's important to make sure you know if your zone has changed.
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri stressed that when a mandatory evacuation order is issued, it means people who choose to remain behind are "on their own," and it will be unlikely first responders will be able to reach them during the height of the storm in order to protect first responders.
"There is no scenario where we will not feel significant impacts," Charlie Justice, Pinellas County Board of Commissioners chairman said.
If you live in a mobile home, regardless of what zone you live in, an evacuation issued by your county's leaders applies to you.
10 Tampa Bay has a breakdown of evacuation zones and routes. You can find your zone and evacuation route by clicking here.