A Tropical Storm Watch was issued for the Florida Keys, where Tropical Depression Fred is expected to hit on Saturday, but officials said no evacuations are planned, the Associated Press reported.
People in campgrounds, recreational vehicles, travel trailers, live-aboard vessels and mobile homes are advised to seek shelter in a safe structure for the duration of the storm, county emergency management officials said.
Fred might regain its tropical storm status as it leaves Cuba on Friday, ahead its projected track toward the Florida Keys and southwest Florida, forecasters said. Southwest Florida will likely see the storm hit on Sunday.
Struggling as a modest tropical depression with its thunderstorms askew, Fred maintained intentions Friday of reaching tropical storm strength before a swipe through the Keys Saturday, and a pass up the west coast. It’s end goal – a Panhandle or Alabama landfall late Sunday or early Monday.
Max wind speeds are expected to top out at 50 mph with 65 mph gusts near landfall. Wind speeds of 40 mph and 50 mph gusts were forecast for near the Keys.