that could cause serious damage to property and lives. there are an awful lot of residential and hotel properties here in this area, so the next several hours are going to be critical as the storm continues to gather strength as it travels along the gulf of mexico, picking up speed. as we know, those waters are extremely warm. that is acting as jet fuel for these storm. it has given its strength as it continues to travel and approach the coast of florida. laura? >> gloria pazmino, as we are watching the wind battering the trees behind you and it really still is hours away from full peak, please stay safe. thank you so much. i want to go down to st. petersburg, florida where the streets are already flooding. we are joined by st. petersburg mayor can welch. thank you so much for being here. mayor, i have to ask you. what are you telling your residents and what are you expecting? because we are learning 4 to 7 feet potentially of storm surge?

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