Mandatory Tourist Evacuation in Lower Keys
Charley becomes hurricane, track shifts closer to S. Fla.
Well, now, it appears that life in these parts is about to get a whole lot more interesting. It's been a beautiful day today, but by this time tomorrow, things may look a whole lot different.
MIAMI -- Charley grew to hurricane strength Wednesday afternoon and its track shifted slightly closer to South Florida on Wednesday, bringing an increased threat of severe storms, heavy rains and possibly tornadoes starting as early as Thursday afternoon and into Friday.
Around 11 a.m., the Monroe County Office of Emergency Management ordered a mandatory evacuation of all non-residents and visitors between Key West and Craig Key, which is located at Mile Marker 72 on U.S. 1, the only road to the mainland. The order does not affect residents. Also, officials said Monroe County schools will remain open on Wednesday, but schools will be closed on Thursday and Friday.
Of course, no one really knows at this point just where Charley will visit. It could come right over the top of Miami, but it looks more like that the Keys will get hit the hardest. Of course, it's not as if the Keys are all that far away. I was just down there this past weekend, and Key West is only about a 3 1/2 hr drive from where I am in Doral.
Stay tuned. It ought to be an interesting couple of days....
