Jazmin Li
As Florida residents brace for the impact of Hurricane Milton, evacuation orders have been issued for several zones in the Tampa Bay area. St. Pete-Clearwater Airport, located in a mandatory evacuation zone, has closed its terminal. But is Tampa Airport in an evacuation zone as well? The City of Tampa provides an interactive Natural Hazards Map and a Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool to help residents determine their evacuation and flood zones. These resources can be used to find out if Tampa Airport is within an evacuation zone, along with information on nearby shelter locations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Tampa Airport in an evacuation zone? | Yes, Tampa International Airport is in an "A" evacuation zone. |
| Is Tampa Airport open during the hurricane? | No, Tampa International Airport is closed to the public during the hurricane. |
| What preparations are being made at Tampa Airport? | The airport is preparing the airfield and terminals, including securing jet bridges, ground equipment, and remaining aircraft. |
| What should travelers do? | Travelers are urged to pay attention to public safety alerts and contact their airlines for the latest flight information. |
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What You'll Learn
Tampa International Airport is in an A evacuation zone
Evacuation zones are designated from A to F, with Zone A typically being the most vulnerable and the first to be evacuated. During a hurricane or storm, local officials will order the evacuation of certain zones, and it is important that residents follow these orders. Zone A is typically the first to be evacuated as it is at high risk of storm surges, which are the biggest threat to life during a hurricane.
The National Hurricane Center maps these zones, indicating areas that will be affected by storm surges. These are storm-driven waves that can quickly flood a community and put lives at risk. It is important to note that evacuation zones and flood zones are different things, measuring different conditions. Flood zones indicate a property's risk of flooding at any time of the year and are unrelated to hurricanes or other emergencies.
As Tampa International Airport is in an A evacuation zone, it is important for staff, travelers, and nearby residents to be aware of the potential risks and have a plan in place should an evacuation order be given. Knowing your evacuation zone is crucial for staying safe during a hurricane or storm.
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The airport closes when evacuation is ordered
Tampa Airport is in an evacuation zone, and the facility will close when an evacuation is ordered. The airport is located in a mandatory evacuation zone, and it is the responsibility of airport management to ensure the safety of staff and passengers by adhering to the evacuation order.
During a hurricane, local authorities issue evacuation orders for specific zones, typically starting with the most vulnerable areas. Zone A is typically the first to be evacuated, followed by Zones B, C, and so on, with Zone E or F being the last to evacuate. Residents in evacuation zones that are ordered to leave by local authorities must do so, regardless of their housing situation.
The City of Tampa provides an interactive Natural Hazards Map that allows residents and visitors to identify their evacuation and flood zones. Additionally, the Hillsborough County Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool (HEAT) helps residents determine their evacuation zone and provides shelter information. These resources are essential for individuals to know whether they need to evacuate and where to go.
When an evacuation is ordered, major airlines also issue travel alerts and advisories, waiving change fees for affected passengers. It is crucial for travellers to contact their airlines directly or check their websites for rebooking options. The safety of passengers and staff is the top priority, and closing the airport during an evacuation order is a necessary step to ensure their well-being.
The decision to close the airport during an evacuation is made to protect individuals from the potential dangers of the hurricane. By following the orders and utilizing the available resources, travellers, staff, and residents can effectively navigate the situation and prioritize their safety.
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The airport is not a shelter for people or vehicles
The Tampa International Airport is not a shelter for people or vehicles. While the airport is a large structure that can accommodate many people, it is not designed or equipped to serve as an evacuation shelter. Shelters are typically set up in community centres, schools, or other designated locations, and they are planned and managed by local authorities.
In the event of an impending storm or hurricane, such as Hurricane Milton, which is currently threatening Tampa Bay, people should follow the instructions of local authorities and evacuate if they are in an evacuation zone. Major airlines are issuing travel alerts and advisories and waiving change fees for travellers flying to and from Florida airports. It is important to stay informed through reliable sources and not to spread or believe misinformation.
If you are in an evacuation zone, your safest option is to follow the instructions of local authorities and evacuate to a designated shelter or to the home of friends or family outside of the evacuation zone. It is important to plan ahead and know where your nearest shelter is located. You can find this information through the Hillsborough County Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool or by visiting the Florida Disaster website.
If you are not in an evacuation zone and it is safer for you to stay in your home, it is still important to know your home's ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain. Generally, homes built after 2002 include features that make them more resilient to hurricanes.
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Evacuation zones are designated from A to F
In the state of Florida, evacuation zones are designated from A to F. These zones are flood zones, with Zone A being the most vulnerable and likely to be evacuated first, and Zone F being the least vulnerable and the last to be evacuated. Residents are advised to find out which zone they are in and pay attention to local authorities during a storm to find out if an evacuation is ordered.
The City of Tampa provides an interactive Natural Hazards Map that allows residents, businesses, and visitors to easily view evacuation and flood zones. The Hillsborough County Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool allows users to search for nearby shelter locations by name or address. Additionally, the Hillsborough County evacuation map is available for printing.
It is important for residents to know if they live in an evacuation zone, a low-lying, flood-prone area, a mobile home, or an unsafe structure during hurricane season. Knowing these zones helps individuals prepare to evacuate and better understand orders from local officials. If an evacuation order is not issued for an area, individuals may consider sheltering in place, but it is important to assess the ability of their home to withstand strong winds and heavy rain.
When preparing for a disaster, individuals should ask themselves where they will be safe, whether in their home, a nearby commercial building, or with family or friends outside the disaster zone. Having a shelter plan increases survival, reduces stress, and enhances comfort. It is also crucial to determine alternate routes and modes of transportation out of the area, as well as identifying several places in different directions to go in an emergency.
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Hillsborough County has five evacuation zones
The Tampa International Airport is located in Hillsborough County, which has five evacuation zones designated from A to E. These zones are determined by the vulnerability of the area and the likelihood of evacuation. Zone A is typically the most vulnerable and the first to be evacuated, while Zone E is usually the last to be evacuated. It is important for residents and visitors to be aware of their evacuation zone, as it indicates the level of risk and the necessary precautions to take during a hurricane or other natural disasters.
The City of Tampa provides an interactive Natural Hazards Map that allows users to view evacuation and flood zones for specific addresses within the city. This tool can be used to identify whether a particular location, including the airport, is within an evacuation zone. Additionally, Hillsborough County offers a Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool on its website, where individuals can search for their evacuation zone by name or address. This tool also provides information on nearby shelter locations.
Evacuation zones are typically ordered by local authorities during a storm or hurricane, and it is crucial to follow their instructions. If an evacuation order is issued for your zone, it is imperative to evacuate promptly, especially if you reside in a low-lying flood area or a mobile home. However, if no evacuation order is given for your zone, sheltering in place may be a safer option. It is important to assess the ability of your home to withstand strong winds and heavy rain.
While evacuation zones are crucial for hurricanes and storms, flood zones are separate designations that pertain to a property's risk of flooding throughout the year due to heavy rain or other factors. Flood zones are classified as Zones A (Special Flood Hazard Area), B, C, D, V, and X, and every property falls into one of these categories. Understanding both your evacuation zone and flood zone is essential for comprehensive disaster preparedness.
Hillsborough County also offers HCFL Alert, a notification system that provides real-time updates during hurricane season. Residents can choose their preferred method of receiving alerts, such as voice, text, or email, ensuring they stay informed and can make timely decisions regarding their safety.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, St. Pete-Clearwater Airport in Tampa Bay is located in a mandatory evacuation zone.
Hurricane Milton.
Evacuations began on October 8, 2024, after the last flight of the day. The airport remained closed on October 9 and 10.
You can use the City of Tampa's interactive Natural Hazards Map to view evacuation and flood zones. You can also use the Hillsborough County Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool (HEAT) to search for nearby shelter locations.
