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Florida Prepares for Tropical Weather
08/18/08 - 09:53 AM

Associated Press

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Tropical Storm Fay may look like a disorganized blob as it approaches Florida, but Governor Charlie Crist is urging you to take it seriously.

Workers at the state’s Emergency Operations Center are taking a serious look at Fay as it approaches Florida and organizing the state’s response.

A hurricane watch is in effect for the Florida Keys and up the state’s west coast to Tarpon Springs. Tropical storm winds are expected to reach the lower Keys this afternoon.

Fay is bringing a heightened risk of tornadoes and flooding. Forecasters say the storm could slow down as it moves across Florida and dump from six to ten inches of rain.

State Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate says Fay may look like a blob on radar and he says it’s not the type of storm that will rip off roofs or cause extensive damage, but he says it still poses a serious threat.

Governor Crist is asking people to stay out of the storm and not to go out on their boats, surfing or swimming.

Emergency officials say you should watch out for flooded roads. They’re reminding drivers to follow the old advice of: turn around, don’t drown. It only takes about a foot-and-a-half of flowing water on a road to sweep away an SUV.

So authorities say if you encounter flooding on a road, especially at night, don’t test it. Do the right thing and find a different route.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)