Monroe County Declares State Of Emergency Ahead Of Elsa
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Monroe County officials declared a State of Emergency on Saturday due to potential effects from Tropical Storm Elsa.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Florida Keys, from Craig Key westward to the Dry Tortugas, as Tropical Storm Elsa continues to churn in the Caribbean.
The storm could bring heavy rainfall, flash flooding, storm surge, and strong winds to the Florida Keys on Monday and Tuesday, officials said.
A voluntary evacuation of mobile homes and liveaboard vessels will likely be issued for Monday and Tuesday.
"The last thing we want is a lot of people leaving the Florida Keys on Monday at 11 a.m.," said Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi. "We hope visitors will consider extending their stay through Wednesday, when we are expecting normal summertime conditions to resume, or to leave earlier on Monday to avoid traffic issues in the Upper Keys we normally see after busy holiday weekends."
Visitors and those in RVs and travel trailers in the Florida Keys are being urged to consider their Monday and Tuesday travel plans.
Earlier in the day, Monroe County Emergency Management officials activated their Incident Management Team.
Officials urge residents to keep informed and get Emergency Management Alerts.
Regular information also is available on Monroe County's Emergency Management website, www.monroecountyem.com/elsa, and on the following official Monroe County social media sites:
"Now is the time to make sure you and your family have established an emergency plan and have a fully-stocked emergency supply kit," Monroe County Emergency Management Director Shannon Weiner said.