When minutes matter, having the right information can save lives. This Tampa Bay-specific guide will help you take decisive action before, during, and after a hurricane.
🌀 UNDERSTANDING HURRICANE ALERTS: WHAT THEY MEAN FOR YOU
HURRICANE WATCH (48 Hours)
Hurricane conditions possible within 48 hours
Begin immediate preparations
TAMPA BAY IMPACT: Time to secure supplies before local stores are emptied
HURRICANE WARNING (36 Hours)
Hurricane conditions expected within 36 hours
Complete all preparations and follow evacuation orders
TAMPA BAY IMPACT: Critical window for evacuation before bridges close
The difference between a close call and a catastrophe often comes down to the actions taken in the 48 hours before a storm arrives.
📱 BOOKMARK THESE SOURCES NOW
Don't wait for a storm to find reliable information. Save these essential resources today:
National Hurricane Center - Official storm tracking
Fox 13 News Weather - Local Tampa meteorologists
Florida Division of Emergency Management - State-level updates
Know Your Zone App - Quick evacuation zone lookup
TampaBaySafe.org - Comprehensive local resource
📋 PRE-SEASON PREPARATION
ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES TO PURCHASE:
Battery-powered NOAA weather radio and extra batteries
Portable phone chargers and power banks
Waterproof container for documents
First aid kit with manual
Flashlights (at least one per person)
Battery powered lanterns (one per room)
Manual can opener
7-day supply of non-perishable food per person
1 gallon of water per person per day (for 7 days minimum)
Waterproof tarps and duct tape
Fire extinguishers (kitchen, garage, bedroom, laundry room)
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Toilet paper and personal hygiene items
Prescription medications (maintain at least 2-week supply)
Battery-powered fans
Plastic sheeting and garbage bags
Basic tool kit (hammer, wrench, pliers, screwdrivers)
Work gloves and sturdy, closed-toe shoes
Rain gear (ponchos, umbrellas, boots)
Pet supplies (food, carriers, litter, medications)
Baby supplies if needed (formula, diapers, etc.)
Cash in small bills ($200+ recommended)
Extra gas containers (properly stored)
Coolers and ice packs
DOCUMENTS & DATA SECURITY:
Scan important documents (insurance policies, birth certificates, property deeds, medical records) and store digitally
Keep physical copies in waterproof container along with digital backups on flash drive
Take photos/videos of home and valuable belongings for insurance purposes
Back up important data to cloud services and external drives
Store electronic devices in high locations away from potential flooding
VERIFY YOUR INSURANCE:
Review policies, especially flood coverage (which is NOT included in standard homeowners insurance)
Document existing damage to your property
Update your home inventory list with photos and descriptions
Note: There is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance becomes effective
HOME PREPARATION:
Clean gutters and downspouts
Trim trees and remove dead branches that could become projectiles
Check roof for loose shingles and make repairs
Purchase and test hurricane shutters or pre-cut plywood for windows
Check garage door and reinforce if needed - a critical point of home failure
Identify and repair potential home vulnerabilities
Consider installing a FEMA safe room for high-wind protection
PREPARE YOUR PETS:
Ensure pets have proper ID tags and microchips with current information
Prepare a pet evacuation kit with food, water, medications, and comfort items
Have carriers and leashes ready for each pet
Research pet-friendly evacuation options in advance
Gather vaccination records which may be required at evacuation centers
⏱️ YOUR 48-HOUR ACTION PLAN: WHEN A HURRICANE WATCH IS ISSUED
IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES:
Fill ALL vehicles with gas (Tampa Bay stations along evacuation routes run dry first)
Withdraw cash ($200+ in small bills) as electronic payments may be unavailable
Fill prescriptions (2-week minimum supply)
Purchase non-perishable food (7-day supply per person)
Secure water (1 gallon per person per day for 7 days)
NEXT STEPS:
Verify your evacuation zone at maps.hillsboroughcounty.org or pinellascounty.org/emergency
Charge all devices and portable batteries
Check on vulnerable neighbors
Begin securing outdoor items
TAMPA BAY SUPPLY INSIGHT: During Hurricane Irma, 73% of gas stations in Pinellas County ran out of fuel within 24 hours of evacuation orders.
⚠️ YOUR 36-HOUR ACTION PLAN: WHEN A HURRICANE WARNING IS ISSUED
CRITICAL ACTIONS:
Follow evacuation orders immediately - No exceptions!
Secure important documents in waterproof containers
Move vehicles to higher ground if in flood-prone areas
Complete all home preparations (shutters, sandbags)
Secure your garage door (see important note below)
Notify family and friends of your plans
Fill bathtubs and containers with water for sanitation
Ensure all devices are fully charged
Pack emergency kit if evacuating
SECURE YOUR GARAGE DOOR:
Disconnect your automatic garage door opener (pull the emergency release cord)
Lock the garage door tracks manually with the sliding lock bar
Install a garage door brace if you have one available
This critical step prevents wind pressurization that can cause roof failure
LOCAL EVACUATION INSIGHT: Traffic on the Howard Frankland, Gandy, and Courtney Campbell bridges becomes severely congested during evacuations. Consider leaving at the earliest possible time.
🏪 TAMPA BAY SUPPLY STRATEGY
BEFORE THE RUSH:
Gas stations along evacuation routes (US-19, I-75, I-4) empty first
Publix and Walmart typically restock quickly but experience long lines
Water, bread, batteries, and ice disappear fastest from local stores
LOCAL TIP: The Publix stores in Trinity and Wesley Chapel often have supplies after coastal locations have emptied.
🌪️ HURRICANE CATEGORIES: WHAT THEY MEAN FOR TAMPA BAY
Category 1 (74-95 mph)
Tampa Bay Impact: Power outages lasting days, particularly in areas with above-ground lines
Required Action: Secure outdoor items, prepare for multiple days without power
Historical Context: Similar to Hurricane Debby (2024) which caused significant flooding in parts of Tampa Bay
Category 2 (96-110 mph)
Tampa Bay Impact: Extended power loss lasting up to a week; significant roof damage
Required Action: Consider evacuation, especially from barrier islands
Historical Context: Similar initial strength to Hurricane Helene (2024) before it intensified, causing severe flooding in Sarasota and Manatee counties
Category 3 (111-129 mph)
Tampa Bay Impact: Major damage to homes and infrastructure throughout the region
Required Action: Follow evacuation orders without exception
Historical Context: Similar strength to parts of Hurricane Milton (2024) as it crossed Florida
Category 4 (130-156 mph)
Tampa Bay Impact: Catastrophic damage expected throughout the area
Required Action: Evacuate when ordered - no exceptions
Historical Context: Hurricane Milton (2024) reached this strength before landfall, causing devastation in multiple Florida counties
Category 5 (157+ mph)
Tampa Bay Impact: Catastrophic destruction with complete structural failure likely
Required Action: Mandatory evacuation essential for survival
Historical Context: Would exceed even the worst impacts seen from recent storms like Milton and Helene
🚨 CRITICAL FACTS EVERY TAMPA BAY RESIDENT MUST KNOW
Storm surge is the deadliest threat - Particularly in Shore Acres, South Tampa, and barrier islands
Evacuation delays can be fatal - Bridges close once sustained winds reach 40 mph
Early preparation prevents panic - Tampa Bay has limited evacuation routes that quickly become congested
Mobile homes are unsafe in ANY hurricane - Evacuate regardless of your zone
Tampa Bay's geography amplifies danger - Our bay can act like a funnel, pushing water deep into neighborhoods
LIVES SAVED: During Hurricane Milton (2024), residents in coastal communities who evacuated early avoided life-threatening storm surge that caused catastrophic damage to homes along Tampa Bay.
📞 TAMPA BAY EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: 311
Pinellas County Emergency Management: 727-464-3800
Hillsborough County Emergency Management: 813-236-3800
Pasco County Emergency Management: 727-847-8137
Polk County Emergency Management: 863-298-7000
Sarasota County Emergency Management: 941-861-5000
Manatee County Emergency Management: 941-748-4501
Duke Energy Outages: 800-228-8485
TECO Outages: 877-588-1010
SAVE THESE NUMBERS in your phone and write them down on paper (in case your phone battery dies).
🏙️ NEIGHBORHOOD-SPECIFIC GUIDANCE
South Tampa & Bayshore:
Highly vulnerable to storm surge from both bay and Gulf
Evacuation routes limited - leave early to avoid Bayshore Blvd closure
Historical flooding occurs even in tropical storms
St. Petersburg & Beaches:
Limited evacuation routes off barrier islands
Storm surge risk from both Gulf and Bay sides
Bridges close when sustained winds reach 40 mph
Clearwater & North Pinellas:
US-19 becomes severely congested during evacuations
Consider alternate routes like CR-1 or McMullen Booth
Barrier islands like Honeymoon Island evacuate first
🏡 AFTER THE STORM: RECOVERY ESSENTIALS
IMMEDIATE SAFETY CONCERNS:
Stay away from downed power lines and flooded areas
Avoid using candles - use battery-powered lights instead
Beware of wildlife and insects seeking refuge from floodwaters
Use generators properly - at least 20 feet from your home with exhaust pointing away
FOOD & WATER SAFETY:
Discard refrigerated food after 4 hours without power
Frozen food is generally safe for 24-48 hours if freezer remains closed
Treat all water as unsafe until officials declare it safe
Boil water for at least 10 minutes or use purification tablets
CLEANUP & RECOVERY:
Document all damage with photos before beginning cleanup
Separate debris according to type for proper disposal
Be cautious of contractor fraud - verify licenses and don't pay upfront
Contact your insurance company promptly to begin claims process
✅ KEY TAKEAWAYS: TAMPA BAY HURRICANE SURVIVAL
Know your zone - Evacuation zones are based on storm surge, not wind
Act early - Our region has limited evacuation routes that clog quickly
Gather supplies before watches are issued - Local stores empty rapidly
Have a communication plan - Cell networks may be overwhelmed
Follow official guidance - Emergency management decisions are science-based
REMEMBER: No possession is worth your life. Tampa Bay has been fortunate with hurricanes for decades, but proper preparation is essential for when our luck eventually runs out.
🗣️ SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Have you weathered a hurricane in Tampa Bay? Share your experience and tips in the comments below to help our community prepare better.
Follow @TampaBaySafe on X for more locally-relevant safety and preparedness information designed specifically for our unique community.