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Ike Tracks Towards Florida

Saturday, September 06, 2008 7:00:01 AM
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The projected path and 11 p.m. coordinates of Hurricane Ike on Sept. 5.

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NASSAU, Bahamas -- Tropical Storm Hanna caused some minor problems in the Bahamas Friday night.

Strong winds snapped tree branches on Abaco Island.

The biggest problem is what Hanna did to the local economy.

Tourism officials said they estimate the islands lost some $750,000 in cruise ship taxes and tourist spending because of the storm.

There were a number of cruise ship cancellations over the last few days, from all of the major cruise lines.

Meanwhile, it’s not over yet. Forecasters are warning Hurricane Ike could land in the southeastern Bahamas on Sunday.

Carolinians Bracing For Hanna

People in Coastal Carolina spent their day preparing for a visit from Hanna.

Many homeowners were busy boarding up their windows, while others stocked up on bottled water, and other supplies.

Officials all over the eastern part of the state urged residents to stay home tonight, and are closing several bridges that connect the mainland to the barrier islands.

Meanwhile, farther out in the Atlantic, Hurricane Ike has weakened to a Category 3 storm with top winds near 115 miles per hour. The hurricane center says it's expected to continue to weaken over the next couple days, but it remains a dangerous storm.

EOC Briefing

The projected path of Hurricane Ike puts it dangerously close to Florida, especially south Florida.

On Saturday, Gov. Charlie Crist will visit with the government officials in Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties to see how they are preparing for the storm.  The Florida Emergency Operations Center said there is a potential for evacuations for south Florida.
    
However, the cone of possibility means much of the Florida peninsula could still get hit by Ike and all of Florida needs to be prepared.

 “Every Floridian and visitor must be prepared to act in the event that local government advises evacuation or protective action. Make sure you have a NOAA weather band radio and extra batteries, make sure you have a hurricane kit that includes non-perishable food," Crist said.

Crist also said Florida is still in the peak of what is shaping up to be one of the most active tropical season.

On Thursday, Crist advised residents to stay out of the waters since the three storms could bring heavy winds and cause beach erosion.

Death Toll In Haiti Nearly Doubles

The death toll from Hanna in Haiti has nearly doubled.

The storm dumped inches of rain on the country, flooding out streets and homes.

The government announced Thursday night that around 150 people died as a result of the storm.

Hanna swirled over Haiti for four days before moving away.

Hanna's devastation comes days after 79 others died from Hurricane Gustav.

FEMA Flooding Help

As the state prepares for a possible hit from Hanna, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is making sure it's ready to respond.

FEMA opened an operations center in Sanford on 520 West Lake Mary Blvd. Wednesday morning.

The center will be available for people dealing with flooding from Fay and more flooding if Hanna strikes.

Residents and officials are keeping a close eye on the St. Johns River as Hanna approaches because of the fear of flooding.

The office will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until the threat passes.

For more information on how to apply for assistance, you can call FEMA directly at (800) 621-FEMA.

Tropical Storm Hanna's Position at 2 a.m.   

Hurricane Ike's Position at 2 a.m.

Tropical Storm Josephine's Position at 11 p.m.



Track the paths of Hanna, Ike and Josephine with our Hurricane Tracker and downloadable map, available at the News 13 Hurricane Center.

News 13 On Demand Logo CroppedNeed help getting ready for a hurricane? News 13 on Demand, Bright House Networks Digital Cable Channel 313, has a Hurricane Center filled with vital information on what you can do to prepare for a storm. In the Severe Weather section, News 13's meteorologists show you how to be safe when a storm strikes.


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