Isaac Moving To Keys - Still Tropic Storm

Tropical Storm Moves Between Cuba And Keys

LABELLE, FL. --  The National Hurricane Center says the odds of Tropical Storm Isaac hitting the Florida west coast as a hurricane is 5%. Odds increase slightly as the storm passes through the Florida Keys.

Over the north coast of Cuba this morning, the storm is expected to pass through the lower to mid Keys with a 10 percent probability of hurricane force winds. Once well into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, winds may pick up, with a 20 to 30% chance of hitting hurricane force midway into the Gulf waters and up to the Florida Panhandle.

The graphics above show probabilities of sustained (1-minute average) surface wind speeds equal to or exceeding 64 kt...74 mph (hurricane force) out in the Gulf of Mexico through the weekend and beginning of next week.

These wind speed probability graphics are based on the official National Hurricane Center (NHC) track, intensity, and wind radii forecasts, and on NHC forecast error statistics for those forecast variables during recent years.

Also see: NHC Storm Surge Chart - above normal water levels can be expected along parts of the Southwest Florida coastline as southerly winds pushes water into bays.

(Click on above graphic for larger image)

In Hendry county, a Special Needs Shelter (SNS) will be opened at Noon today, Sunday, August 26th. The SNS will be located at the Glades County Health Department at 1021 Health Park Drive, Moore Haven, FL 33471.

Hendry County Schools, Hendry County Government Offices and the City of LaBelle will be closed Monday, August 27, 2012 due to Tropical Storm Isaac. Students, Faculty, Staff and District Employees are not to report to work. The City of Clewiston will decide about closing later today.

A Local State of Emergency will go into effect for Hendry County and the City of LaBelle at 9 AM August 26th. The Emergency Operations Center has activated to Level 2 as of 9 AM today, August 26, 2012.

All residents are encouraged to continue to monitor the media and to make appropriate plans. There is currently no evacuation notice in effect for Hendry County. Shelters will be opened at LaBelle Middle School and Clewiston Middle School at 12 Noon today, August 26th. Residents seeking shelter are reminded to have three days of water, food, prescriptions, bedding and other necessities with them.

The Glades County Courthouse will be closed Monday and only essential employees need report for work.