Voluntary evacuation ordered for Hernando County coastal residents

BROOKSVILLE (FOX 13) - In Hernando County, there's a voluntary evacuation order for residents living along the coast as Hurricane Michael continues to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico.

This morning, residents living in areas deemed as Levels "A" and "B" can begin evacuating Tuesday at 8 a.m. To find out your zone location, head to the county's website at HernandoCounty.us. A Tropical Storm Watch and Storm Surge Warning have been issued for Hernando County.

A Tropical Storm Watch means sustained winds of 39 to 73 MPH are possible within 48 hours. A Storm Surge Watch means there is a possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline within 48 hours. Heavy rains and above normal tides impacting coastal residents and communities prone to flooding during high tide are possible.

Michael is forecasted to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle, but Tampa Bay will still feel some effects of the storm.

LINK: See more models on MyFoxHurricane.com

One shelter will open at noon on Tuesday: The Enrichment Center, located at 800 John Gary Grubbs Boulevard in Brooksville. The shelter will house special needs, the general population and will be pet-friendly. Additional shelters will open as needed.

The following sandbagging locations are open on Tuesday, October 9:
- Anderson Snow Park, 1360 Anderson Snow Road in Spring Hill (Open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.)
- Linda Pederson Park, 6300 Shoal Line Boulevard near Hernando Beach (Open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Hernando County schools and district offices will reopen Wednesday, October 10.