Hurricane Ian is coming, and there’s not a moment to lose.

That’s the gist of the message from County Administrator Jeff Rogers regarding what residents need to do on this Tuesday.

By Wednesday at about noon, Rogers said to expect the arrival of tropical storm force winds that will increase to hurricane force for the next two days throughout the county. The county is ordering a mandatory evacuation for the area west of U.S. 19, including Aripeka, Hernando Beach and Weeki Wachee, near the rivers and for those living in RVs and manufactured homes.

“With that, we’re going to see a storm surge in our county somewhere between eight feet and 10 feet, depending on where the storm makes landfall,” he said. “That storm surge is going to impact our coastal communities and all those roadways in the coastal communities.”

Water will not just menace homes, he said. Some Hernando Beach homes will be flooded as water rises on Thursday, and hopefully it will start receding on Friday.

Stormwater system overloaded

Rogers emphasized that the need to move now is because the rain is going to flood roads, especially in the low-lying areas, and the stormwater system – already full of water from past day’s rains – will not be able to handle the expected more than 14 inches of rain, especially if Ian slows down when it’s over the area.

“That is more than any significant storm event we’ve had in our community,” Rogers said. The roads and the stormwater system are not designed for 14 inches of rainfall, he said, within a 48-hour period.

If you’ve experienced flooding from heavy rain before, you will be flooded again in the next 48 hours, Rogers said.

Driving on flooded roads is dangerous, he added, not only for citizens but for first responders, who may not be able to rescue people once the storm is overhead and dumping rain on the area. The saturated ground raises the danger of trees falling over, too, and a loss of power starting late Wednesday night and Thursday.

“Please prepare for a loss of power for the next three to five days,” he warned.

Shelters opening

Three shelters will be opening at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27:

Rogers added that two more shelters could open if needed and they could shelter 12,000 people if necessary. Residents of the areas at risk should seek shelter with friends or family on higher ground or in a place of refuge outside the area.

Self-service sandbag sites are available at:

It’s still too early to tell the details, Rogers said.

“The track continues to loop south of us now,” he said. “This will cause an increased duration event here, with higher level winds and higher-level rain in Hernando County, so we want everyone to stay safe.”

BROOKSVILLE — Hernando County residents should shelter in place as the direct effects of Hurricane Ian begin later today, said Hernando County Administrator Jeff Rogers at a press conference Wednesday.

Rogers said residents should already be in the location where they will weather the storm. Winds will grow stronger as the day goes on, possibly reaching tropical storm force, or 39 to 73 mph. Rain could total 12-18 inches and coastal residents could see storm surge of 3 to 6 feet with high tides expected Thursday at 4 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Coastal residents who live west of U.S. 19, those in manufactured homes and low lying areas are under a mandatory evacuation order.

With recent rains, the ground is already saturated and officials expect the rain to continue at least through Thursday. There are also growing concerns about the Withlacoochee River water level, which is expected to continue to rise in the coming days as the heavy rain throughout the region will drain into that waterway.

Officials warned residents to avoid flooded roadways and be aware there could be hazards including downed power lines, if they move around in and after the storm. They were also cautioned not to use generators inside buildings or other enclosures because improper use can be deadly.

Currently there 125 evacuees in Hernando shelters. County residents with questions or concerns can call Hernando’s public information line at (352) 754-4083.

“Stay safe, Hernando,” Rogers said.

• • •

2022 Tampa Bay Times Hurricane Guide

HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT THE HURRICANE: A school mental health expert says to let them know what’s happening, keep a routine and stay calm.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN A SHELTER: What to bring — and not bring — plus information on pets, keeping it civil and more.

SAFEGUARD YOUR HOME: Storms and property damage go hand in hand. Here’s how to prepare.

IT'S STORM SEASON: Get ready and stay informed at tampabay.com/hurricane.

• • •

PART 1: The Tampa Bay Times partnered with the National Hurricane Center for a revealing look at future storms.

PART 2: Even weak hurricanes can cause huge storm surges. Experts say people don't understand the risk.

Hurricane Ian continues to strengthen and organize as its path takes it toward Florida's West Coast. In Tampa Bay, people are being told to evacuate their beachfront property as forecasters say storm surge will create massive problems for the state's third-largest metro area. FOX Weather's Nicole Valdes reports.

Visit the FOX Weather Wire for live updates on Hurricane Ian as it barrels toward Florida. Click here for the latest forecast, evacuation orders and more.

TAMPA, Fla. – At least 2.5 million Floridians are currently under some type of evacuation order as Hurricane Ian rapidly intensified into an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane early Wednesday morning as it approached Florida’s Gulf Coast, hours from an expected landfall.

"There's still uncertainty with where that exact landfall will be. But just understand, the impacts are going to be far, far broader than just where the eye of the storm happens to make landfall in some areas," Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a news conference Tuesday morning. "There will be catastrophic flooding and life-threatening storm surge."

Much of Florida's Gulf Coast, South and Central Florida is under Hurricane Warnings, including Tampa, Venice and Fort Myers, Naples and Orlando ahead of the expected wind, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Ian. Given Florida's unique coastline, the topography lends itself to the state being highly susceptible to storm-surge flooding during hurricanes.

(FOX Weather)

Evacuations ordered along Florida's west coast

Several counties along Florida's west coast have already issued mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders, including Tampa Bay where 300,000 people alone are being told to evacuate their beachfront property as forecasters say storm surge will create massive problems for the state's third-largest metro area.

"In order to protect residents, we are issuing a mandatory evacuation order for Zone A, recommending a voluntary evacuation for Zone B and opening emergency shelters," Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise said.

As of Wednesday, Zones A and B remain under mandatory evacuation, Tampa city officials said as heavy winds and rains move through our area. Residents were warned to stay out of Zones A and B, shelter in place and stay off the roads.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, storm surge could reach as high as 10 feet along portions of Florida's west coast, though the entire western Florida coast is susceptible to some level of storm surge.

Storm surge is the rise of water levels caused directly by a storm and does not take into account rainfall or wave size, which can add additional feet on top of a storm's surge.

Wise said the evacuation orders and opening of shelters began at 2 p.m. Monday.

"We expect to have to evacuate 300,000 people, and that will take some time," she said. "That's why we are starting this today."

Evacuations haven't been limited to only Hillsborough County.

Many tolls across central-west Florida are suspended to make evacuations quicker. SunRail will close at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. Check FL511.org for traffic conditions before you hit the road.

Wise also said issuing mandatory evacuations wasn't an easy decision to make.

"We did not make this decision easily," Wise said. "But the storm poses a serious threat, and we must do everything we can to protect our residents."

Wise said shelters should only be used as a last resort.

"They are not comfortable places," she said. "They could be crowded, and they could be noisy, and you could be in a shelter for days."

Instead, residents are asked to check with friends, relatives and co-workers who live at least 20 miles from the coast for a place to stay if needed.

"We're expecting sustained tropical or hurricane winds to our barrier islands and coastal communities for as long as 48 hours, with the earliest arrival predicted for 8 p.m. Tuesday," said Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes. "This is a worst-case scenario with a very strong, slow-moving storm just to the west of us."

Airports and ports to close

Officials closed the Clearwater-Saint Petersburg airport at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Tampa International Airport closed a few hours later and will remain closed to the public. There will be no departing flights through Thursday, airport officials said.

Flight information boards at Orlando International Airport were covered in red as commercial operations ceased at 10:30 a.m. The airport activated their Emergency Operations Center as airport leadership stay on property to closely monitor the storm's path.

The airport will remain open to accept emergency/aid and relief flights, if necessary. Safety remains a priority, the airport said.

Port Tampa Bay will close at 8 a.m. Tuesday to marine interests. Officials said they will try to keep Port Manatee open throughout the storm.

Florida's attractions, theme parks announce closures

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. All admission tickets have been extended through December 31. Extra precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of animals, park officials said.

Discovery Cove is also closed and will reschedule or refund reservations booked online or from the call center.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will temporarily close Wednesday through Friday.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will close temporarily Wednesday and Thursday. Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will also temporarily for the same dates. Park officials said Disney Springs is currently operating under normal conditions.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort closed their theme park, water park and Peppa Pig Theme Park. Tickets dated for 9/28-10/2 will be automatically extended through the end of the year. Vacation stays during this time can be rebooked without penalty.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urges Floridians to prepare now

DeSantis declared a state of emergency in Florida over the weekend, and President Joe Biden approved Florida's emergency declaration on Saturday.

"Regardless of Ian's exact track and intensity, there is a significant risk of life-threatening storm surge, hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall along the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle by the middle of the week," DeSantis said at a news conference on Monday.

That approval authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts for the state.

DeSantis said preparations are well underway to position crews and equipment across the state to prepare for Hurricane Ian and to respond to clean-up efforts after the storm moves out of the region.

DeSantis said five urban search and rescue teams have been activated and will deploy to impacted areas.

The Florida Department of Emergency Management has also loaded 360 trailers with more than 2 million meals and more than 1 million gallons of water in preparation for distribution in areas affected by Hurricane Ian.

And with power outages likely, utility providers have more than 25,000 linesmen staged and prepared to begin power restoration efforts once it's safe to do so.

Florida activates National Guard

Because of Hurricane Ian, 5,000 members of the Florida National Guard have been activated and have been pre-positioned at armories across the state. In addition, 2,000 National Guard members from Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina have also been activated to assist.

Nearly 300 ambulances, paratransit buses and other support vehicles have also been deployed to areas where Hurricane Ian could have a major impact.

"I know we've got a lot of people that have moved to the state of Florida," DeSantis said on Sunday. "Just make sure you make your preparations."

He also warned residents that power outages and fuel disruptions were likely due to Hurricane Ian.

"That's something that could happen with a hurricane of this magnitude," DeSantis said. "And also anticipate that in certain areas of the state, if you are in a very vulnerable area, there may even be evacuations that are issued."

Florida residents took the weekend to prepare for Hurricane Ian

"If it doesn't come, it doesn't come, but it's better to be prepared," said Tampa resident Jamie Cruz.

Cruz, like thousands of other Floridians, spent the weekend standing in line waiting for sandbags.

"I knew it was going to be bad, but I didn't know it would be that bad," he said about the line of people waiting for sandbags. "I waited in line for three hours."

Cars lined the streets around areas where sandbags were being distributed with the hopes that they could help save their homes from possible flooding from Hurricane Ian.

"Most of Tampa Bay is in low elevation," said St. Pete Beach resident David Beshears. "So, whether you're directly on the water or close to the water, it's worrisome."

The Beshears purchased their dream home on St. Pete Beach a year ago, and they're still renovating.

"The anxiety is definitely here," Michelle Beshears said. "For sure."

Schools closed as Florida prepares for Hurricane Ian

Many schools, colleges and universities have been closed for the rest of the week, so families could prepare for Hurricane Ian and allow officials to use those facilities as shelters for people fleeing the hurricane.

Schools have been closed in Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Desoto, Dixie, Gilchrist, Glades, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Okeechobee, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, and Sumpter Counties.

Several colleges have also been closed:

TAMPA, Fla. - The main way people die when a hurricane hits Florida is storm surge, according to the state's Know Your Zone website.

Storm surge is a dome of water pushed onto land by powerful hurricane winds. The force of the water can move buildings and cause more damage than hurricane winds, on their own.

SEARCH BY ADDRESS FOR STORM SURGE EVACUATION ZONES

As evacuations are ordered ahead of Hurricane Ian, it's important for residents across Florida to know if they are in a storm surge evacuation zone, so they can be prepared to leave when officials give the orders.

Meteorologist say "run from water, hide from wind." Storm surge is the reason for this saying.

County by county: Hurricane Ian emergency information

Low-lying areas vs storm surge

Storm surge evacuation zones are different from low-lying areas. Those are areas prone to flooding due to rainfall and saturated grounds. Evacuation information for low-lying areas is typically given as a recommendation.

Flood zones are similarly named to storm surge evacuation zones. Don't confuse "Flood Zone A" with "Evacuation Zone A."

See if your home is in a so-called low-lying area flood zone on the FEMA website: https://www.fema.gov/glossary/flood-zones.

Storm surge evacuation zones

Evacuation zones are titled:

Storm surge zones are based on the likelihood an area will flood with the projected rise in sea level due to a hurricane.

Evacuations will be issued for Zone A when storm surge is predicted up to 11 feet.

Evacuations will be issued for zone A-B when storm surge is predicted up to 15 feet.

Evacuations will be issued for zone A-C when storm surge is predicted up to 20 feet.

Evacuations will be issued for zone A-D when storm surge is predicted up to 28 feet.

Evacuations will be issued for Zone A-E when storm surge is predicted up to 35 feet.

2022: Pinellas County updates evacuation zones for nearly 48,000 households ahead of hurricane season

For more information about how storm surge is measured and monitored, visit the National Hurricane Center's storm surge FAQ page: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/surge/faq.php#2

How to decide when to leave

If you live in a zone that has been ordered to evacuate, get out. However, that doesn't mean you have to leave the state, or even the county where you live.

Evacuation orders are given for storm surge zones in order to keep residents safe from the risk of storm surge flooding. The flooding typically subsides after the storm passes and residents will be allowed to return to their homes.

Officials say, if you're given orders to evacuate your home, look for higher ground nearby, if possible.

Florida's highways and interstates tend to become congested as many people try to flee the state ahead of a storm. This puts drivers at risk of becoming stranded or being involved in accidents.

Additionally, officials monitor evacuation zones to prevent looting or other illegal activity, but when evacuation orders are lifted, it's best to return home and secure property and belongings.

Florida - Tuesday September 27, 2022: Mandatory Evacuation Orders have been issued for select areas, including coastal communities, mobile homes and low-lying areas in several counties.

To see if you are under an evacuation order, visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/evacuation-orders/ and follow local officials for updates.

As of 11 AM Tuesday, September 27, evacuation orders have been issued in the following counties:

Current Watches and Warnings in Effect:

State preparation and response efforts include:

Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)

Florida National Guard

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)

Florida Department of Health (DOH)

Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)

Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)

Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA)

Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA)

Florida Department of Education (DOE)

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

o All ports currently have adequate fuel supplies and are staging appropriate measures to be well-positioned after the storm in order to quickly reinstate operations and keep fuel supplies moving.

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)

VISIT FLORIDA

Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing)

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR)

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

Florida Department of Revenue

Florida Department of Management Services (DMS)

An updated list of state building closures can be found here.

Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)