These two terms confuse a lot of Pinellas residents. Understanding both could save your life.
Two of the most important — and most misunderstood — concepts in hurricane safety are storm surge and evacuation zones. In a flat, coastal county like Pinellas, understanding both is essential. Here's the plain-language breakdown.
What is storm surge?
Storm surge is the abnormal rise of seawater pushed ashore by a hurricane's winds. It's not the same as rain flooding or waves — it's a wall of water that can rise quickly and reach far inland in low-lying areas. Surge, not wind, is historically the deadliest part of a hurricane.
What are evacuation zones?
Pinellas County is divided into evacuation zones (A through E) based on how vulnerable each area is to storm surge. Zone A is the most surge-prone and evacuates first; higher letters evacuate as the threat grows. Officials order evacuations by zone so people leave in the right order and at the right time.
Why the difference matters
- Your evacuation zone is fixed and based on surge risk — know it in advance
- The storm's category and track determine which zones are told to leave
- You don't need to leave the county — just get out of the surge-prone zone to safer, higher ground
- "Hide from wind, run from water" is the guiding principle
What to do
- Look up your evacuation zone now, before any storm
- When your zone is called, leave promptly
- Have a destination planned — often just tens of miles inland is enough
- Never wait out surge in a vulnerable zone to protect property
Understanding these two ideas removes a lot of the fear from storm season. Know your zone, respect the water, and act early.
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