Time is running out for Tampa Bay to prepare for Milton

Hurricane Milton could cause unprecedented destruction in the Tampa Bay area, and officials warn that today is the last day to prepare.

Meteorologists expect it to be an extremely dangerous hurricane that could bring a storm surge of 10 to 15 feet across Tampa Bay. Tropical storm-force winds could reach the Tampa Bay area as early as Wednesday morning.

A hurricane warning and a storm surge warning are in effect for the entire area. Pinellas and Pasco counties have ordered mandatory evacuations for Zones A, B and C. Hillsborough has ordered evacuations for residents in Zones A and B, as well as mobile and manufactured homes.

Hillsborough and Pinellas counties have canceled classes through at least Wednesday. Pasco has closed schools until Friday. You can find out about further closures and cancellations here.

Here is a list of emergency shelters in the Tampa Bay area.

View Milton's forecast track and wind speeds here.

And here are some tips for preparing for evacuations.

Follow the latest developments.

7:05 a.m.: There is still plenty of space in the emergency shelters

Families needing to evacuate as Hurricane Milton progresses are able to access emergency shelters throughout the region. Although the locations are busier than during Hurricane Helene, they are not yet at full capacity.

For example, Pasco County's evacuation locator shows capacity at each location. Fivay High School in Hudson had more than 2,200 vacancies as of 6 a.m., as did River Ridge High in New Port Richey. Each of the other shelters also had several hundred spaces, and the county plans to open a sixth location at 9 a.m. at Sunlake High School in Land O'Lakes

Both Pinellas County and Hillsborough County animal shelter locators also showed vacancies.

Each county's website continually updates capacity and provides information, including directions and the type of shelter, including whether they accept patients with special needs and are pet-friendly. Officials have warned residents in low-lying areas to follow evacuation orders as quickly as possible.

Accommodations generally provide space and meals, but little else. Bring bed linen. You may also want to bring snacks and items that will hold your attention, such as books and games. —Jeffrey S. Solochek

7am Milton 'extremely dangerous'

The National Weather Service warns in its 5 a.m. warning that Hurricane Milton is an “extremely dangerous” storm that will unleash a large area of destructive storm surge along Florida's west coast.

The Tampa Bay area is approximately in the middle of the forecast cone and is on a stretch of coastline that could experience a rise of up to 15 feet.