Hurricane warnings were posted for the Turks and Caicos, the southeastern Bahamas and the north coast of the Dominican Republic. A hurricane watch was in effect for the rest of the Bahamas and northern Haiti. Cuba posted a hurricane watch for its northeast coast and was expected to extend it westward. Ghost of Hurricane Andrew Miami has so far seen only a few light showers, but residents who remember the devastation of Hurricane Andrew eight years ago are taking this weaker storm seriously. Floridians are preparing but not panicking, stocking up on food, water, batteries, and plywood to board up windows.
Emergency managers suggest a two-week supply of food per person and per pet.
If Floridians want hurricane insurance, they better act fast. The state's largest storm insurer, the Florida Windstorm Underwriting Association, will stop offering policies when the storm passes west of a line roughly at the Haiti-Dominican Republic border, which Debby is expected to hit this afternoon. Other insurers will shut down new sales either when the storm crosses that line or when the National Weather Service declares a hurricane watch or warning, said Sam Miller of the Florida Insurance Council. Banks require most coastal homes to have hurricane and flood insurance. But consumers rush to upgrade coverage on homes when storms are forecast, and boats sometimes aren't insured, Miller said.