Convention Storm Watch

Key West might be in for a direct hit on Sunday. Evacuation orders for the Keys may come tonight.

Forecasters with The Weather Channel think the evacuation decisions could come quickly. It is anticipated that watches will be issued for South Florida and the Keys by Friday night. In the event of an evacuation, Mayor Cates told The Weather Channel that tourists would leave first, followed by special needs citizens. Cates stated that residents wouldn't need to leave just yet, given the strength of the storm at this point. The Florida State Emergency Operations Center was activated to a Level 2 on Thursday. The EOC's website defines Level 2 as a limited agency activation. All primary, or lead, Emergency Support Functions are notified. The State Emergency Operations Center will be staffed by Division of Emergency Management personnel and necessary Emergency Support Functions.