Residents in the Fort Lauderdale real estate market and those looking to close on a purchase in the next few days are going to have to keep a close eye on Tropical Storm Fay. Currently just a tropical storm, Fay is forecast to emerge over the open waters of the after passing Cuba and has the potential of strengthening into a hurricane.Authorities “asked” visitors to voluntarily leave the Florida Keys on Sunday ahead of the arrival of the storm..
Here in Fort Lauderdale, we could start feeling the wrath of the storm as soon as Monday.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami has issued a hurricane watch was for the Florida Keys from south of Ocean Reef to Key West, and along the mainland from Card Sound Bridge west to Bonita Beach..
A “hurricane watch”is is issued when hurricane conditions are possible within 24 to 36 hours which is different from its escalated counterpart the “hurricane warning” which indicates hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles per hour or greater, or dangerously high water and rough seas) are expected in 24 hours or less.
The sixth storm of the 2008 Atlantic season picked up some momentum early Sunday morning as it headed toward Cuba, and could be a hurricane by the time it reaches the island’s center, forecasters said. The storm has already killed 4 people as it made its way through Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Officials planned to start asking visitors to leave starting at 8 a.m. Sunday, and asked tourists who had not yet arrived to postpone their trips.
“We’re hate to inconvenience those visitors that had plans to be in the Keys the next few days, but their well-being is our top priority,” said Monroe County Mayor Mario Di Gennaro, chairman of the Keys tourist development council.
State of emergency
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency Saturday because Fay “threatens the state of Florida with a major disaster,” he wrote in an executive order.
Here in Fort Lauderdale we are not as of yet under a hurricane watch, we are under a Tropical Storm watch which is in in effect for the southeast coast of Florida from Ocean Reef north to Jupiter Inlet.It may seem premature for early evacuations but if you are not familiar with the Florida Keys..thee’s only one road in..and only one road out. When a storm threatens, traffic can back up for miles.Experienced Homeowners And Tourists unfazed on SaturdayNow for the alternative. Many of us who make our home in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida often gauge the severity of a storm and what it’s impact could be. Few seasoned residents will leave the area for anything below a Category 1 or 2 hurricane. In fact, as has become the local custom, it has become time to break out the Mojitos, and have a Hurricane Party.Yes, some people find entertainment in the most unlikely of times and places. Hey, when you have no television, now electricity, no air conditioning, maybe no water, and absolutely no place to go, what else are you going to do? Here in South Florida we have learned to prepare for the worst and truly make the best of it.However, for the less informed, we previously wrote an article on hurricane preparedness in the Fort Lauderdale real estate market but in case you missed it, here is some information you may want to take notice of:During a hurricane watch
- Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
- Check emergency supplies.
- Fuel car
- Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
- Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outside antennas.
- Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
- Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils.
- Review evacuation plan.
- Moor boat securely or move it to a designated safe place. Use rope or chain to secure boat to trailer. Use tiedowns to anchor trailer to the ground or house.
During a hurricane warning
- Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.
- If in a mobile home, check tiedowns and evacuate immediately.
- Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
- Avoid elevators.
- If at home, stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
- Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
- If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power “surge” when electricity is restored.
If officials indicate evacuation is necessary:
- Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.
- Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve.
- Tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going.
- If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or better yet, move it to a higher floor.
- Bring pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing.
- Take blankets and sleeping bags to shelter.
- Lock up home and leave.
Ok, now that you have taken proper care in the event things get bad, it’s time to get ready for the party as well!Be safe, and have a little fun! It’s life here in paradise.
videos courtesy: courtesy The Weather Channel
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