Tropical Storm Isaac Update

UPDATED AS OF 3:35 PM, AUGUST 24:

According to Broward County Emergency Management officials, if Tropical Storm Isaac's current forecast and track remain steady, Broward will experience heavy rainfall and gusty winds as early as Sunday afternoon. Chuck Lanza, Broward Emergency Management director, cautions residents and visitors to be prepared for possible flooding of low lying areas, potential power outages and rip currents. Emergency Management officials will continue to closely monitor Tropical Storm Isaac throughout the weekend.

UPDATED AS OF 2:17 PM, AUGUST 24:

According to Broward County Emergency Management officials, if Tropical Storm Isaac’s current forecast and track remain steady, Broward will experience heavy rainfall and gusty winds as early as Sunday afternoon. Chuck Lanza, Broward Emergency Management director, cautions residents and visitors to be prepared for possible flooding of low lying areas, potential power outages and rip currents. Emergency Management officials will continue to closely monitor Tropical Storm Isaac throughout the weekend. Stay tuned to local media (1650 AM Lauderhill's Emergency Radio Station) for any flood or tornado watches and warnings that may be issued by the National Weather Service.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR POTENTIAL IMPACT FROM TROPICAL STORM ISAAC INCLUDE:

• Remove all small and light items from the exterior of your home.  If you can pick it up, pick it up and move it.  Otherwise they become projectiles in strong winds.
• Do not walk through or allow children to play in standing water. Puddles are full of hidden dangers, including snakes and other wildlife, broken glass and other sharp objects.
• Do not drive through standing water. Your car engine may stall, potentially causing irreparable damage to the engine. The wake from your car may cause additional flooding in nearby homes and other structures. If you come upon a flooded street, take an alternate route.
•  Be Patient With Power Outages; Operator Generators Safely
•  Florida Power & Light knows where power outages are, and crews are dispatched to restore power as quickly as possible. It is not necessary to report a power outage at your home or business.
• Report sparking, arcing or downed power lines to 911 or call FPL at 800-4OUTAGE (800-468-8243).
• Assume all downed cables and wires are live and stay away.
• Keep away from flooded and debris-laden areas because they may be hiding downed lines.
• Run portable generators outside your house or building, in a well-ventilated area, and connect appliances or equipment directly to them.
• Avoid driving in damaged areas, and in areas where traffic signals may not be working properly. This can interfere with repair and restoration efforts, and jeopardize your safety. Treat intersections where traffic signals are not operating as four-way stops.
• Take Protective Actions if Tornados are Sighted
• A tornado watch is issued to alert people that conditions are right for tornado development. It does not mean a tornado has been sighted. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has actually been sighted or picked up on radar in the area. When a tornado approaches, immediate action may mean the difference between life and death.
• Seek shelter below ground level, if possible.
• Go into an interior hallway or lower level.
• Stay away from glass doors and windows.
• Take cover under heavy furniture in the center part of the house.
• If outside, move at right angles away from the tornado. If escape is impossible, lie flat in a ditch or low spot.