The National Hurricane Center has issued its final advisory regarding the storm system Erika: The tropical storm has degenerated into a trough of low pressure. Having dissipated as a tropical storm, watches and warnings by the National Hurricane Center will be discontinued.
The NHC suggests that Erika could still produce rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches or more and gusty winds across southern and central Florida as early as Sunday morning.
Erika currently has maximum sustained winds near 35 mph.
Gov. Rick Scott made the declaration on Friday that Florida was under a State of Emergency due to the approach of Erika.
The governor said 30 members of the National Guard are pre-positioned, with 8,000 in position to be mobilized.
Erika was “fighting both land and a hostile wind shear environment,” and was forecast to weaken, Senior Hurricane Specialist Lixion Avila said Friday. Avila indicated that the storm would most likely become a tropical depression Saturday.
If the storm had survived after it passed over Hispaniola, Avila said there was “a very small opportunity for Erika to regain tropical storm strength in the Florida Straits and the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, where the environment is less hostile.”
Essential items you will need:
– 3 to 7 day supply of food that does not need refrigeration or cooking
– 3 to 7 day supply of water (one gallon per person per day)
– 3 to 7 day supply of clean clothes and shoes
– Cash (in case ATMs/banks are closed)
– First aid kit (including basic medicines and prescription drugs)
– Operable vehicle with a full gas tank
– Radio (battery powered or wind-up)
– Flashlight and/or lantern (battery powered or wind-up)
– Spare batteries
– Tools (for basic house repair)
– Important documents stored in a waterproof container (medical records, insurance records, Social Security cards, etc.)
– Pet care items (food, water, cage, leash, immunization records, etc.)
– Test portable generator, chainsaw and other equipment you may need. Check related supplies
– If you may have to go to a shelter – prepare your “Go Bag” with essential items especially if you have special needs
