The evacuation order was issued on Monday for Bay County, Florida, and will affect around one hundred and twenty thousands residents throughout Panama City Beach, Panama City and Lynn Haven.
Sheriff Tommy Ford sent a direct warning to affected residents, saying: “We’ve practiced this many times. This is game time. This is the real thing. This is a significant threat to life and safety.
“People need to start leaving now. The roads are going to get more and more congested as time goes on.
“I promise we will try to get people back in as soon as possible.”
Bay County Commissioner Bill Dozier also urged residents to leave affected regions immediately, and warned those who decide to remain to prepare to be self-sufficient.
He said: “Prepare for your personal need. Stock up your water.
“If somebody was to stay here, they need to be able to take care of themselves for a period of time.
“Don’t expect the government to help take care of you. You need to take care of yourself.”
Evacuation orders have been issued for four separate zones – A,B,C,D – where storm surges could occur.
Zone A is located along Bay County’s Gulf Coast and large inner waterways, and is considered where storm surge is most likely to occur.
Mark Bowen, chief of emergency services in Bay County, commented on the evacuation procedures, saying: “Area A is closer to water, bay-front properties, lower-lying properties.
“A, B, C folks need to leave. Anyone who can leave on Monday should go on the road today.
“They should leave Bay County and go to a pre-designated place.”
An emergency shelter will be been opened in Deane Bozeman School in Panama City as of 10am Tuesday local time (4pm BST).
However Mr Bowen urged residents to use this only as a last resort.
Mr Dozier also urged holidaymakers to reschedule their travel plans to avoid the area over the coming days.
He said: “It’s certainly not the best time to come down. Look at resisting your plans to vacation here in Bay County and Panama City Beach.
“Sometime next week this will move past us and clear out.
“Continue to keep an eye on the local websites in Panama City Beach. They’ll find another time for their vacation.”