Ida expected to strengthen Saturday

This just in from myFlorida.com:

Tropical Depression Ida is currently located near the Nicaragua / Honduras border. At 10 a.m. maximum winds were near 35 mph. Ida is moving toward the north at 7 mph. Ida is expected to re-strengthen in the northwestern Caribbean Sea on Saturday.

There are currently no watches or warnings posted for Florida. Much of Florida lies within the five-day error cone with a 5%-10% chance of receiving tropical storm force winds within five days.

If the system and current forecast track holds, Ida could enter the Gulf of Mexico by Monday.

The next advisory will be issued at 4 p.m.

CURRENT SITUATION / STATE ACTIONS

There is a moderate to high risk of rip currents today along Florida’s Atlantic Coast.

The State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee continues to monitor Ida through the State Watch Office and the Meteorology unit. The State EOC in Tallahassee remains at a Level 3, or monitoring status. Gov. Crist and his staff are being briefed on Ida’s progress.

The State has begun conference calls with county emergency management officials and state partners in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia today. State officials have been in contact with our partners at the Federal Emergency Management Agency and will continue to coordinate with them through the duration of this event.

State Emergency Response Team Regional Coordinator’s are located throughout the state and are being updated on the storm and will continue coordinating with local officials. State Management Team members have been identified and are prepared to deploy if Ida were to impact Florida.

The State Logistics Response Center in Orlando is fully stocked with needed supplies and commodities and staff is prepared activate it if conditions warrant.

Emergency Coordinating Officer’s from all state agencies will meet at the State Emergency Operations Center Monday morning for systems checks and a briefing from the Interim Director Ruben D. Almaguer and the Interim Deputy Director/SERT Chief David Halstead.


RECOMMENDED PUBLIC ACTIONS

Florida residents should monitor the progress of Tropical Depression Ida through the weekend and into next week.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy their weekend and all activities statewide, but are also encouraged to take a few minutes to review their disaster preparedness plan and to restock any needed items in their disaster supply kit.

Once you are prepared, check on a neighbor and encourage them to do the same. To Get A Plan! go to www.FloridaDisaster.org today.

Marine interests in the Gulf region should continue to monitor ocean conditions.

Ida serves as a reminder that Hurricane Season lasts through November 30.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Floridians should continue to follow Ida’s track this weekend into next week,” said Ruben D. Almaguer, interim director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “Now is a good time to review and update your personal and family disaster plans.”