Several Florida counties announce evacuations ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole

Several counties in Florida announced evacuations on Tuesday ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole’s landfall in Florida’s east coast.

The counties that have issued orders to leave flood-prone areas include Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Brevard and Volusia.

Florida counties call for evacuations and closures as Tropical Storm Nicole strengthens

Palm Beach County

In a news conference at Palm Beach County’s emergency operation center, County Administrator Verdenia C. Baker announced a mandatory evacuation effective at 7 a.m. Wednesday for residents living in zones A and B, including mobile homes, barrier islands and low-lying areas. Over 100,000 residents live in the evacuation zones, according to Baker.

Palm Beach County Mayor Robert Weinroth also announced that the county will open various emergency shelters at 7 a.m. Wednesday. The county’s bus system will be suspended at noon Wednesday, officials said. For more information, visit pbcgov.org.

Martin County

Officials in Martin County have announced voluntary evacuations beginning 8 a.m. Wednesday for zones A and B, which includes residences on the barrier islands (Hutchinson Island and Jupiter Island), Sewall’s Point and manufactured or mobile homes, as well as homes in low-lying, vulnerable areas.

Five shelters will open at the same time, according to the county’s website. For more information, visit martin.fl.us/Hurricane.

St. Lucie County

At around 7 p.m. Tuesday, St. Lucie County said in a news release that officials “strongly recommend residents” in zones A and B evacuate before 10 a.m. Wednesday. These areas include the barrier islands, low-lying areas along the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon, and people living in manufactured or mobile homes and RVs. Three shelters will open starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, according to the county’s website. For more information, visit stlucieco.gov/home.

Indian River County

Before 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Indian River County announced on Twitter a “recommended evacuation” for the following groups starting Wednesday morning: areas east of U.S. 1 (including barrier islands), low-lying locations, residents with mobile or vulnerable housing and persons with special needs. One shelter will open starting at 7 a.m. Wednesday. For more information, visit ircgov.com.

Brevard County

Authorities in Brevard County are recommending evacuations for certain parts starting at 7 a.m. Wednesday: barrier islands, mobile home communities and low-lying areas. The county is also recommending that residents with special medical needs evacuate if they depend on electricity to live. Four shelters will open starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Brevard County Emergency Management. For more information, visit brevardfl.gov.

Volusia County

Volusia County has issued a mandatory evacuation order beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday for all residents and businesses east of the Intracoastal Waterway, manufactured and mobile home dwellers east of Interstate 95, low-lying areas, campsites and recreational vehicle parks.

“Evacuees are encouraged to stay with family, friends or an inland hotel and must complete their evacuation by 4 p.m. Wednesday because conditions will begin to deteriorate significantly,” the Volusia County Emergency Management said in a Facebook post.

Four shelters will open starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, according to the county. For more information, visit volusia.org/pin.