5 things to know ahead of Tropical Storm Erika

Weekend: Mostly cloudy Friday, night T-storms Saturday, T-storms Sunday

MIAMI ā€“ Friday happy hour is still safe, but former National Hurricane Center director Max Mayfield wants South Floridians to stay one step ahead of severe weather, so get it together.

Mayfield, Local 10 News' hurricane specialist, Local 10 News chief certified meteorologist Betty Davis and the rest of their weather team have been tracking Erika closely.

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After the 2 p.m. update, Local 10 News meteorologist Julie Durda said Erika remained a weak and poorly organized tropical storm. Mayfield warned there will be plenty of rain.

Here are 5 things you need to know :

1. It's most likely not going to be aĀ hurricane

Erika started as a tropical depression (defined by 33-38 mph winds) and has grown into a tropical storm (defined by 39 to 73 mph winds). There will be thunderstorms starting Saturday night. It looks like Erika's impact may be felt in Miami-Dade on Monday morning, so if you can, plan to work from home.

SAVE THIS LINK: Click on the icons to learn about the storm

2. If power goes out, you can blame Erika, but if your phone is dead that's on you

Mayfield wants you to get a self-powered light source and go through this supply kit checklist. Your iPhone flashlight is not an option since you have to save your battery to stay in touch with the world. If the power goes out, gamers may need an indoor generator for emergency power supply. And reusable ice packs are good, if you prefer your beer cold.

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3. Your weekend plans are still on

There will be no garbage pick-up in Miami Monday, so keep your party trash low. Check out the radars for Miami rain. Erika was moving over the Dominican Republic Friday afternoon and moving near the Turks and Caicos Island Friday night. Make sure you get your weather update Sunday morning, so you can use the free Local 10 News app. Avoid denial: The hurricane season ends Nov. 30.

INTERACTIVE: Download this free app to get updatesĀ 

4.Ā  Protect your 'bestie'

On Friday morning, Erika pushed some 39 to 57 mph winds. In South Florida that usually means the wind and waves cause some beach erosion, minor boat damage, tree damage and power outages. It's just not safe for your pets to be outdoors. Bring them inside and get them enough food and water for at least three days.

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5. Know where to park your ride

Erika was expected to arrive to South Florida as an intense rainfall producer, but Mayor Carlos Gimenez said he doesn't anticipate any evacuation orders.Ā  Geographic Information System data can help you figure out if where you usually park your car is an area of heightened risk for flooding. There may be some backed-up storm drains, so if you are in the red zone plan ahead. And if you have a backyard, raise electrical components at least 12 inches above projected flood elevation.

INTERACTIVE MAP: Enter your address to view your area's GIS data map

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Follow Local10.com reporter Andrea Torres' Twitter emergency warnings list