Moore Haven, Florida

... Forecast track of Hurricane Ike continues to shift south, but all
persons across Mainland South Florida should continue to monitor the
latest updates on Ike...

The latest forecast trend from the National Hurricane Center for
major Hurricane Ike continues to be more optimistic for Mainland
South Florida. The current official forecast from the National
Hurricane Center takes Ike west across Cuba Sunday through Tuesday,
then northwest into the east central Gulf of Mexico into the middle
part of next week. Assuming Ike moves on this path, squally weather
with bursts of heavy rain and tropical storm force wind gusts would
be expected across the local area late in the day on Monday
continuing Tuesday into Wednesday. Sustained tropical storm force
winds would remain south of the Mainland on the current forecast
track, with only gusts to tropical storm force expected. Isolated
tornadoes would be possible in outer rain bands from Ike as well.
There are uncertainties in the forecast track with Ike. Based on
wind speed probabilities, which take into account these
uncertainties, there is still about a 30 to 45 percent chance of
sustained tropical storm force winds impacting the local area, with
the highest probabilities being from the southern Atlantic coast
across Miami-Dade County west along the Gulf Coast to the greater
Naples area. Probabilities for hurricane conditions are below 10
percent.

Even though forecasts continue to look more optimistic, the National
Weather Service still recommends residents and visitors across all
of South Florida to keep a close watch on the progress of Ike over
the next few days. Remember that even a slight shift in the forecast
track or size of the storm could change the impacts on the local
area regardless of the fact the storm is forecast to remain south of
the local area.

This weekend still presents a good time for residents to once again
go over their hurricane plans and make initial preparedness actions
as needed in case the forecast changes for the worse. Visitors to
South Florida are encouraged to check with hotels and local
officials regarding preparedness actions that may need to be
initiated early next week in the event that Ike presents a greater
risk to our area.

The following are basic suggested actions that should be taken at
this time.

Check batteries for radios and flashlights, drinking water, canned
or dried food as well as first aid supplies and prescription
medicine. Have a sufficient supply of Cash as access to credit cards
and automated Cash machines may not be available without power.
Check fuel levels on automobiles, generators and chain saws.

Make initial plans to determine where you will likely be in case of
a greater risk from Ike. Check whether you live in an evacuation
zone.

For the latest information regarding Hurricane Ike and its potential
impacts on South Florida, please stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio,
as well as information from local government officials and media
outlets. You can also monitor the latest statements, as well as
possible watches and warnings, from the National Weather Service
office in Miami on the web at weather.Gov/Miami.