#12 Postby Aquawind » Thu Aug 12, 2004 8:16 am
Mandatory evacuations now in effect from Bonita Beach to Boca Grande Latest forecast shows Hurricane Charley headed toward Tampa Bay
By DAVE BREITENSTEIN
Published by news-press.com on August 12, 2004
RELATED INFORMATION
• Video: 8 a.m. forecast from NBC2
Mandatory evacuations are in effect from Bonita Beach to Boca Grande as Hurricane Charley approaches. In addition, Sanibel Island issued a mandatory evacuation that took effect at 7 a.m. today, compelling all residents to leave as soon as possible.
Sanibel also enacted a curfew that begins at 7 p.m. for those who decline to leave the island.
As of 8 a.m., weather forecasters were still predicting that Charley's center would make landfall in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area after storm tracks were modified overnight. It currently is circling at 85 m.p.h. and passing by the Cayman Islands, moving toward the northwest at 16 m.p.h.
"We still think it will have landfall in the mouth of Tampa Bay," said Barry Goldsmith, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Ruskin. "But you are still under a serious threat there because if it veers a little south, Fort Myers will be affected."
Hurricane force winds extend 25 miles from the eye, and Charley likely will spin past Southwest Florida farther out in the Gulf of Mexico. However, Goldsmith said tropical storm force winds reach 115 miles from the center, which could pose dangers for Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. Coastal areas could be flooded because of storm surge, which will vary depending on the storm's strength and tides when it passes.
Barrier island schools in Lee County have been closed today, and Lee Superintendent James Browder will announce by noon today whether all public schools will be closed Friday. A primary concern is whether roads in low-lying areas will be flooded.
As of 7 a.m., Lee County's Emergency Operations Center was bumped to Level 1 activation, which means all employees are on duty. The center will make further announcements as necessary.
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