Hurricane Milton strengthened into a dangerously powerful hurricane on a path toward Florida population centers, threatening a 12-foot storm surge in Tampa Bay and setting the stage for potential mass evacuations less than two weeks after a catastrophic Hurricane Helene swamped the coastline.

Hillsborough County officials on Monday ordered mandatory evacuations for zones A and B and for all residents who live in mobile or manufactured homes. State of play: The orders begin at 2:30pm Monday,

Hillsborough County residents are eligible for a maximum of 10 sandbags per vehicle. Residents must show ID verifying they live in the county; a driver’s license or utility bill will serve as proper identification. Residents should be prepared to fill their own sandbags.