CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – Hurricane Idalia is expected to impact Citrus County sometime Tuesday, August 28.
Winds are predicted to be Category 3 Hurricane strength, which means 129 miles per hour. Catastrophic life-threatening storm surge up to 11 feet above ground level is expected.
A mandatory evacuation has been ordered for all of those in Zone A. Zone A includes everything west of Hwy 19 and portions east of Hwy 19. If you do not know your zone, visit the Sheriff’s social media pages, or go to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office website and look under the Emergency Management tab.
In the news: Tampa International Airport To Close Tuesday Ahead Of Potential Major Hurricane Idalia
There is also a voluntary evacuation ordered countywide for those living in mobile homes, campers, recreational vehicles, tents, and structures not capable of handling Category 3 winds.
In anticipation of the impacts of Hurricane Idalia, shelters will be opening later today.
The following shelters will be OPENING today at 1 p.m.:
Central Ridge Elementary School (General Population) – 185 West Citrus Springs Blvd., Citrus Springs, FL 34434 Citrus High School (General Population) – 600 West Highland Blvd., Inverness, FL 34452 The following shelters will be OPENING today at 4 p.m.:
- Citrus Springs Middle School (General Population) – 150 W Citrus Springs Blvd, Citrus Springs, FL 34434
- Central Ridge Elementary School (General) – 185 W Citrus Springs Blvd, Citrus Springs, FL 34434
- Forest Ridge Elementary School (Special Needs) – 2927 North Forest Ridge Blvd., Hernando, FL 34442
- Renaissance Center (Pet Friendly) – 3630 W Educational Path, Lecanto, FL 34461
- College of Central Florida (last resort option) – 3800 S Lecanto Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461
Public shelters should be an option of last resort. Citizens should make all preparations to shelter with family or friends and exhaust all other options before utilizing a public shelter.
In the news: Biden Approves Emergency Declaration For Florida Ahead Of Idalia
Sexual Offenders must report to the Citrus County Detention Facility to seek shelter if needed. The facility is located at 2604 W Woodland Ridge Dr., Lecanto, FL 34461.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Operations Center is currently at a partial activation.
The possible impacts of Hurricane Idalia on our county are significant. At the moment, the goal of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management team is to preserve life and mitigate any sort of vulnerability our county may experience.
Please continue to take this weather event seriously and take the time now to get last-minute essential supplies.
The Citizen Information Lines (CIL) will OPEN today at noon. Citizens can call (352)249-2775 for information regarding Hurricane Idalia and what they can do to prepare.
Please ONLY use 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
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