Officials across South Florida are preparing for the potential impact from what is now Tropical Storm Elsa as it moves toward the area early next week.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava signed a local state of emergency Saturday, allowing the county to mobilize resources if needed.
"There still is a lot of uncertainty about the path, but we are continuing to monitor closely and if there are any potential impacts to Miami-Dade we are ready," Cava said during a Saturday news conference.
Monroe County Emergency Management activated its Incident Management Team in preparation for the storm, which could make landfall in the Florida Keys by late Monday night.
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“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.
A voluntary evacuation of mobile homes and liveaboard vessels to safe structures for Monday and Tuesday is likely to follow and county urges visitors and those in RVs and travel trailers in the Florida Keys to consider their Monday and Tuesday travel plans.
Mandatory evacuations in Monroe County are not expected for this storm.
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“The last thing we want is a lot of people leaving the Florida Keys on Monday at 11 a.m.,” Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi said. “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.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Saturday a state of emergency has been issued for the following counties across the state: Miami-Dade, Monroe, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota.
"The threat posed by Elsa requires that timely precautions are taken to protect the communities, critical infrastructure, and general welfare of Florida," DeSantis' executive order reads.
Cities across the area are preparing as well, with the city of Lauderhill offering free sand Saturday. Cooper City will be closing three parks on Monday: Bill Lips Sports Complex, Flamingo Park West and the Cooper City Sports Complex.
