Hillsborough County has seen major changes in evacuation zoning this year, based on census data and reports from the latest Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH) model from the National Hurricane Center. Nearly 75,000 county residents will live in an evacuation zone for the first time this year, while others are being upgraded or removed based on the data. See if the new Hillsborough evacuation zones affect your home.
Related: How To Save Money While Preparing for Hurricane Season
Based on the 2020 Census data, the updated evacuation zones are affecting approximately 12% of the Hillsborough County population with new evacuation zoning:
- 107,334 or 7.4% of residents moved to a higher zone (for example from A to B)
- 62,824 or 4.3% residents moved to a lower zone (for example from B to A):
- All residents living in mobile homes are included in Evacuation Zone A regardless of the location of their home. Storm evacuations get residents out of the storm surge path, but mobile homes are not designed to withstand the wind from storms. Therefore, those residents are asked to evacuate with Zone A.
The greatest change has occurred in East Tampa, bordered by the Hillsborough River to the north, Harney Road to the east, I-4 to the south, and I-275 to the west. Previously not in an evacuation zone, this area has been moved into Zone E. However, 55,000 Tampa residents have been moved out of an evacuation zone for 2022 who were previously included in the zoning recommendations.
How to prepare for floods
Regardless of evacuation protocol, Florida residents are encouraged to prepare for the hurricane season early. Common preparations include:
- Storing bottled water and canned goods in the event of power outages and blocked roads
- Investing in a portable generator or power source for essential household items and communications via cell phone or radio
- Keeping one car with at least half a tank of gas in case of emergency evacuation
- Planning for elderly or disabled family members and neighbors, as well as pets in case of emergency evacuation