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Storm surge threat prompts Pasco and Hernando counties to recommend voluntary evacuations

 
Check tampabay.com for the latest breaking news and developments.
Check tampabay.com for the latest breaking news and developments.
Published Oct. 9, 2018

Pasco County officials on Tuesday recommended that residents who live west of U.S. 19 evacuate their homes as Hurricane Michael is set to threaten low-lying areas with storm surge.

That follows a similar Monday recommendation from Hernando County that called for voluntary evacuations of those who live in flood zones A and B, which includes much of the land west of U.S. 19.

Pasco's recommendation also includes residents with special needs and anyone whose home regularly floods.

Michael, a Category 2 storm, was expected to strengthen to a Category 3, as it marches toward the Panhandle. It was expected to make landfall there on Wednesday. However, it was expected to bring dangerous storm surge to the Tampa Bay area, including Pasco and Hernando counties, as it passes by.

Each county opened up one emergency shelter. Pasco's is the Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter at 11611 Denton Ave. in Hudson. Hernando County's shelter is the Enrichment Center at 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd. in Brooksville.

Special needs residents in Pasco who can't make it to the shelter on their own should called (727) 847-2411 for assistance.

Emergency experts say those who evacuate should try to stay with friends or family. And they should drive tens, not hundreds, of miles to safety. Shelters should be a last resort.

Both counties opened sandbag stations and declared local states of emergency, which allows county officials to bypass some administrative red tape and make quicker decisions.

As of the 11 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center, Hernando County was expected to get 4 to 6 feet of storm surge. Pasco, and the rest of the Tampa Bay area, fell within the 2-4 foot range.

Hernando officials warned the highest water would correspond with high tide, which was expected to move in about 3 a.m. Wednesday morning, and then again about 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities said there was a slight risk of tornadoes as the hurricane passes by.