Evacuation Guide

Tampa, Florida Evacuation Routes

Plan your escape with optimized routes and safe zones

Threat Assessment

Hurricane

Tampa Bay is ranked the #1 most vulnerable US metro for hurricane storm surge. The bay's funnel shape amplifies surge. A direct Cat 3+ hit has not occurred in over a century - but when it does, damage will be catastrophic.

Storm Surge

The funnel shape of Tampa Bay amplifies storm surge dramatically. A Cat 4 hurricane could push 20+ feet of surge into downtown Tampa. Most of the metro is at low elevation.

Flood

Flat terrain and poor drainage cause significant urban flooding during tropical storms and heavy rain events. Hillsborough River and area creeks overflow regularly.

Lightning

Tampa Bay area is the lightning capital of the US. Severe thunderstorms are frequent May-September, producing dangerous lightning, hail, and localized flooding.

Tornado

Tropical storms and hurricanes can spawn tornadoes. Waterspouts from Tampa Bay occasionally come ashore.

Red Tide

Karenia brevis algal blooms can cause respiratory irritation along the coast and kill marine life. Not directly an evacuation trigger but affects quality of life.

Evacuation Routes

I-75 North to Ocala

primary

Primary northern evacuation via I-75. Moves inland and north, away from Tampa Bay storm surge zone. Well-maintained interstate with regular services.

115 miles to Ocala1.75 hours (normal), 5-8 hours (evacuation)

I-75 N is the primary hurricane evacuation route - expect extreme congestion

Fuel stations between Tampa and Ocala will run dry during mass evacuation

Hurricane

Storm Surge

Flood

I-4 East to Orlando

secondary

Eastern evacuation via I-4. Moves inland to Central Florida. Orlando is 80+ miles from the coast and significantly less vulnerable to storm surge.

84 miles to Orlando1.25 hours (normal), 4-7 hours (evacuation)

I-4 is notoriously dangerous - one of the deadliest interstates in the US

Construction zones reduce lanes and slow evacuation traffic

Hurricane

Storm Surge

Coastal Emergency

I-275 South to St. Petersburg (NOT FOR SURGE)

tertiary

WARNING: Do NOT use for hurricane or storm surge evacuation. Leads to a peninsula with limited escape routes. Only for localized Tampa-only emergencies.

23 miles to St. Petersburg30 min (normal), 1-2 hours (congested)

NEVER USE FOR HURRICANE/SURGE EVACUATION - St. Pete is a peninsula surrounded by water

Bridges close when winds exceed 45 mph - you could be trapped

Localized Tampa Fire

Chemical Spill

Non-Hurricane Emergency

US-41 North to Brooksville

tertiary

Northern surface road alternative when I-75 is gridlocked. Slower but provides escape from Tampa Bay surge zone via inland route.

55 miles to Brooksville1.25 hours (normal), 3-5 hours (evacuation)

Surface road - traffic lights and slower speeds, but avoids I-75 gridlock

Many sections are 2-lane, which can bottleneck

Hurricane (I-75 gridlocked)

Flood

Power Grid Failure

Bayshore Blvd to High Ground (On Foot)

foot

On-foot evacuation from low-lying Bayshore area to higher ground at University of Tampa and north Tampa. Use when storm surge threatens and vehicles are unavailable.

4 miles1.5-2 hours on foot

Move to higher ground IMMEDIATELY if storm surge warning is issued

Bayshore Blvd floods first in Tampa during any surge event

Storm Surge Warning

Vehicle Unavailable

Sudden Flood

Roads Blocked

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Safe Zones & Rally Points

Tampa Convention Center (Emergency Shelter)

shelter • Capacity: 5,000

Raymond James Stadium Shelter

shelter • Capacity: 8,000

Tampa General Hospital

hospital • Capacity: 1,018

St. Joseph's Hospital

hospital • Capacity: 929

AdventHealth Tampa

hospital • Capacity: 543

Tampa Fire Station 1 - Central

fire station

Al Lopez Park Rally Point

rally point

University of South Florida Campus

shelter • Capacity: 3,000

Amalie Arena / Channelside Rally Point

rally point

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

resource

Hillsborough Community College - Dale Mabry Campus

shelter • Capacity: 2,000

Lowry Park / North Tampa High Ground

rally point

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