Emergency Info News

Hi, I’m Ronda Stat with a special report from Florida 5 News.

We have breaking news: Hurricane Valerie has rapidly intensified into a Category 4 storm—stronger and faster than anyone expected. Landfall is now just 4 hours away, expected between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, bringing 155 mile-per-hour winds and a storm surge up to 15 feet.

Here’s what you need to do right now.

If you’re in Evacuation Zones A or B—evacuate immediately. Head inland using Route 95. Stay off coastal roads. Take only the essentials—medications, ID, and your pets. Shelters are now open at the Miami-Dade Arena and the Broward Convention Center.

If you can’t evacuate, move to an interior room with no windows. Fill every container you have with water. Charge any medical devices now—major power outages are expected.

This is a life-threatening situation. Please stay off the roads after 2 PM—rescue crews won’t be able to reach you once winds exceed 100 miles per hour. If you're in a low-lying area, do not shelter on the first floor. And with tornadoes likely, be ready to take shelter in a bathroom or closet if a warning is issued.

For real-time shelter updates, text VALERIE to 4-3-3-6-2. Keep your NOAA Weather Radio on. This is not a drill. Take this seriously. Keep your loved ones safe. Act now.