Fay Eyes Tampa Bay
Storm Warnings Up in Florida
Visitors Evacuating Florida Keys

The only thing certain about Tropical Storm Fay is her unpredictability. Although her top sustained winds are just 50 m.p.h., some forecasters believe she has a good chance of becoming a hurricane over the next 24-36 hours. That is particularly worrisome if she stays on a projected path toward Tampa Bay, a very heavily populated area, but even her path could easily change over the next 24 hours.

A Tropical Storm Warning was issued earlier and remains in effect for the Florida Keys from Craig Key westward to the Dry Tortugas, including Florida Bay. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. Beginning early this morning, visitors to the Florida Keys were asked to evacuate the islands. Shelters for residents will begin opening at 7:00 p.m. this evening.

The Hurricane Watch first issued earlier today for Florida's West Coast has been extended. The affected areas include the Florida Keys from south of Ocean Reef to Key West, including the Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay and along the Florida mainland from Card Sound Bridge westward to Tarpon Springs. A "watch" means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 36 hours.

Everyone from South Florida through Central Florida should be completing their hurricane plans. If you haven't started, then you need to do so right away!

• Hurricane 101
• Hurricane Preparations
• What To Do During and After a Hurricane

Check these news sources for excellent up-to-date storm information:

• National Hurricane Center
• South Florida Sun-Sentinel
• OrlandoSentinel.com Interactive Map

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