This one looks like it's going to track into Mexico. One interesting note...they don't have a name for "Q".
Pati
TD # 18 - Rita?
11 am update. Storm Watches are up for the FL Keys and S. FL
Darius, Billy Martin, the czar of the EPO in the Keys, is as old as dirt, really knows his 'canes and runs a VERY tight ship. Here's his info:
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
MONROE COUNTY HAS ENTERED A LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY.
THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CENTER WILL BE ACTIVATED FULLY AT 700 AM MONDAY.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HAS ORDERED A MANDATORY EVACUATION FOR VISITORS AND NON-RESIDENTS FROM THE SEVEN MILE BRIDGE TO KEY WEST STARTING AT NOON TODAY.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE KEYS MUST LEAVE TODAY.
COUNTY PARKS AND STATE PARKS WILL CLOSE TODAY.
TOLLS ON CARD SOUND ROAD ARE SUSPENDED.
RESIDENTS IN MOBILE HOMES AND IN LOW-LYING AREAS SHOULD PREPARE NOW FOR POSSIBLE EVACUATION.
MONROE COUNTY SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY AND TUESDAY.
COUNTY OFFICES WILL CLOSE AT NOON MONDAY. MUNICIPAL OFFICES MAY FOLLOW SUIT.
Now it's TS Rita, officially.
From the 5 PM NOAA report:
Quoting:
THE TROPICAL STORM IS STILL IN THE PROCESS OF ORGANIZING. ... ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO GRADUALLY BECOME MORE CONDUCIVE FOR STRENGTHENING. ... ANTICIPATING A HURRICANE IN 36-48 HOURS.
ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT IS FORECAST ONCE THE STORM REACHES THE GULF OF MEXICO.
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCDAT3+shtml/182110.shtml
Oh Oh coming right at us.
Well it looks like were getting out of here.
It may be a 2 when it hits us and were not spending another week with no power down here. seems like every time I get my garden in order it gets trashed again.
Hold tight
Neil
Key West
Glad you are leaving, Neil. Don't want to have to do another search for DGers in a storm's path. Let us know you are safe when you get back.
I lived in Key West many many years ago, and also Boca Chica. Never had a 'cane while I was there.
Neil,I also lived there, plz take what you can pack quickly but go w/gods speed.
HERE'S THE NEW THREAD: http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/545994/
Hope Niel sees it...we sure don't want to lose track of him now!
Pati