Hurricane Matthew prompts rush to stores in Broward County

Authroties issue tropical storm watch in areas of Broward County

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Lines at gas stations got longer on Tuesday immediately after authorities tracking Hurricane Matthew issued a tropical storm watch in areas of Broward County. 

The Publix in Plantation was out of cases of water shortly after. They were expecting a truck to replenish the shelves on Wednesday. 

The Emergency Operations Center in Plantation was preparing for the category 4 storm. And Gov. Rick Scott was asking residents to be ready for the worst. 

As of 11 a.m., Broward County Mayor Marty Kiar had broad authority to deal with the state of emergency in the area. Kiar warned of the possibility of power outages "for a significant period of time."

Miguel Ascarrunz, Broward's emergency management division director, was working with the American Red Cross. 

Authorities were asking anyone with questions or concerns about the tropical storm watch to call 311.


About the Authors:

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.