Keisha Eleby lives steps away from the southernmost point in Florida.
Tropical Depression Four strengthened into Tropical Storm Debby set to become — north from the Florida Keys with the warmth of the Gulf of Mexico — Category 1 Hurricane Debby.
The National Hurricane Center changed a tropical storm watch into a warning Saturday afternoon for the lower Florida Keys. As a long-time Florida resident, Eleby knows the drill.
“You just bunker in,” Eleby said. you make sure you have a lot of food supplies, you have gas in case we do have to evacuate.”
The tropical storm watch status remained unchanged for the middle Keys Saturday afternoon. Residents from Key West to Key Largo were preparing for flooding. Eleby said she got herself a ride to get around if it rains too much: A new Dodge Ram.
Tourists were in the area for lobster season and still had time to evacuate on Saturday afternoon.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency. Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis asked residents to take pictures of their property before the storm hits.
WARNINGS
Monroe Lower Keys: Tropical storm warning, coastal flood advisory, and flood watch
Monroe Middle Keys: Tropical storm watch, coastal flood advisory, and flood watch
Monroe Upper Keys: Coastal flood watch and flood watch
WEATHER AUTHORITY TRACKING
FORECAST IN SOUTH FLORIDA
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