Tampa Bay Counties Largely Unscathed By Hurricane Michael

HERNANDO COUNTY, FL -- Predictions of 4- to 6-foot storm surge from Hurricane Michael sent coastal residents in Hernando County scrambling to higher ground Wednesday, Oct. 11.

On Monday after Tropical Storm Michael was upgraded to a hurricane, Hernando County officials issued a voluntary evacuation order for the 8,500 residents living in evacuation zones A and B, low-lying areas on the coast. That gave residents of Bayport and other coastal communities barely enough time to pack the foundations of their homes with sand bags before heading to the county's shelter in Brooksville or to friends or family with inland homes.

Fortunately, the worst conditions the county saw were flooded roads. The voluntary evacuation order was lifted Thursday, Oct. 11 at sunrise, following the high tide at 3:32 a.m., with a warning to residents to be careful around the flood waters.

Officials from Hernando County south to Sarasota County will continue to monitor low-lying areas, which could still flood during high tide this afternoon. However, for the most part, it's business as usual for Tampa Bay communities.

Images via Hernando County Sheriff's Office

Bayport experienced flooded roads and some flooded homes.

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