Important Notice on Hurricane Ernesto #2

EMERGENCY UPDATE

FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
DATE: Sunday, August 27, 2006
TIME: 2:00 p.m. .

Broward Residents Urged to Keep Close Eye On Hurricane Ernesto

Broward County residents are urged to keep watch on Hurricane Ernesto, the first hurricane with the potential to threaten south Florida this season. The Emergency Management Agency is constantly monitoring the situation and will advise residents what, if any, precautionary measures should be taken as the situation warrants. Conditions can rapidly change and cause a greater threat to the area.

Although there is no eminent threat at this time, the potential for rapid change is present. All residents should begin to prepare as if the hurricane is approaching our shores, and remember, be prepared for five to seven days in case the hurricane does arrive.

Residents are urged to stay tuned to television and radio to keep up-to-date with advisories on Hurricane Ernesto. Visit www.broward.org/hurricane for information on how to prepare for a hurricane, shelter locations, hurricane kit checklist, and much more.

Note: Lauderhill residents can also turn to its local radio channel for continual updates specifically affecting our city: 1650 AM WQFF. Weather alerts automatically kick in when the weather service issues alerts.


Additional Report, FYI:

There have been significant changes in the forecast track for Ernesto over the last 24 hours. With the reformation of the center of circulation to a more northern location and the slowing of the system, model guidance has shifted considerably to the east. This development now brings the entirety of the Florida peninsula into a potential threat situation with Ernesto. In addition, Ernesto has been upgraded to a minimal hurricane with wind speeds of 75 mph clocked around a very small center of circulation. The upper level environment for the system is improving and should no longer be a degrading factor. However, its interaction with the land mass of Hispaniola and subsequently Cuba should not allow for any rapid intensification.

The track forecast currently brings Ernesto across the lower keys in 48 to 72 hours. This approach would cause a tropical storm wind field to begin spreading across South Florida by Tuesday afternoon. This possibility would cause the issuance of at least a tropical storm watch on Monday and depending upon changes in future forecasts perhaps even a hurricane watch. Ernesto at this point is not a direct threat, but is a concern and preparations should begin to deal with the situation if the trend of the forecasts continues eastward.

Lauderhill Residents: Depending upon the Hurricane, Lauderhill may institute a warning sometime tomorrow. That would mean that we would begin activating our emergency plans in anticipation of the possibility the Hurricane heads close to our area. Full preparation by the city takes about 48 hours to implement. Be aware that the city may modify these plans at anytime, and I will try to update as information becomes available. Please proceed with your own plans as previously advised earlier today.

Very Truly Yours,

Richard J. Kaplan
Mayor, City of Lauderhill