TAMPA, Fla. – Water lines will be closed Tuesday morning to St. Pete Beach, a resort on a barrier island in Pinellas County, in preparation for Hurricane Milton.

Pinellas County officials issued an order Sunday to evacuate about 6,600 patients from six hospitals, 25 nursing homes and 44 assisted living facilities.

“If you are on the west coast of Florida and the offshore islands, just assume that you will likely be ordered to evacuate,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said Sunday.

HURRICANE SPECIALIST: Milton is stronger and is forecast to hit the west coast of Florida this week as a major hurricane

Meteorologists predicted that Milton's impact would likely be more destructive in coastal areas. While Helene caused a storm surge of 6 to 8 feet, Milton was expected to cause over 10 feet.

The exact location of Wednesday night's landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast remained uncertain, but a Category 3 or 4 was possible as the hurricane gained strength in the Gulf of Mexico.

“We are preparing for the largest evacuation we have ever experienced, most likely since 2017, Hurricane Irma,” said Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

REPORTING FROM TAMPA: Florida's Gulf Coast is preparing for Hurricane Milton while still recovering from Hurricane Helene

WEATHER AUTHORITY: Flood Warning in Miami-Dade, Broward

COVERAGE IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Hurricane Survival Guide

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