Manatee prepares for Isaac

Manatee County this morning fully activated its Emergency Operations Center in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaac.
Officials said the storm may strengthen once it reaches the warm Gulf of Mexico waters and could become a Category 2 hurricane before making landfall near Mobile, Ala., on Tuesday.

"Isaac will probably be a Category 1 hurricane about 120 miles west of Manatee County, but it can get closer or farther away," said Greg Bacon, logistics chief. "We will see significant rains. It's a very wide storm and we're expected to see the onset of tropical force winds as early as Sunday Afternoon through Monday Evening."

Manatee is advising a voluntary evacuation, Level A, for people with special needs, mobile home parks and other low-lying areas.

Two shelters also have been opened: Manatee High School, 902 33rd St. Ct. W., Bradenton; and Nolan Middle School, 6615 Greenbrook Blvd., Lakewood Ranch.

Manatee High and Nolan are pet-friendly shelters. Nolan also can accommodate special needs.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].