Tampa, MacDill Issue Mandatory Evacuations Ahead Of Irma

TAMPA, FL — City of Tampa residents who live in low-lying areas are being ordered to evacuate. MacDill Air Force Base on Friday also issued similar orders.

The city of Tampa’s evacuation order goes into effect at 2 p.m. Sept. 8. Residents who live in mobile homes or who have special needs are also being asked to leave. The call was made as Hurricane Irma continues to pose a greater threat to the Tampa Bay area, including the possibility of “high winds across the city and potential storm surge,” the city announced in a media release. (For more hurricane news or local news from Florida, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Tampa Patch, and click here to find your local Florida Patch. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Residents who are unsure of their evacuation zones may look up their homes by address using the city’s interactive map. Hillsborough County shelters will be open for residents who need places to ride out the storm. A full list of shelters can be found on the county’s website.

Watch: FEMA Tells Floridians In Irma's Path To 'Get Out Now'

Meanwhile, MacDill has announced the evacuation of all base residents, housing, dormitories, FAMCAMP and lodging.

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“Effective immediately, only mission essential personnel should report to work through Monday. If unsure whether they should report, personnel should call their supervisor,” an email from the 6th Air Mobility Wing said. “All MacDill services will cease at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9.”

• Also see: Hurricane Irma: Entire Tampa Bay Area Under Watch

By 11 a.m. Sept. 8, Irma had downgraded to a strong Category 4 storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 150 mph. Irma was located about 405 miles southeast of Miami, moving west-northwest at 14 mph.

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