INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis attorney Troy Farmer thought he was going to get some rest and relaxation on his vacation to Florida, but Hurricane Irma had other plans.
Farmer is one of thousands of tourists who were suddenly told Tuesday to evacuate the Florida Keys, as forecast models show Hurricane Irma moving toward the Caribbean and the southern part of the state.
The National Hurricane Center called Irma one of the strongest hurricanes ever.
Thousands of people in Texas are still recovering after Hurricane Harvey hit the area last week. More than 31 people lost their lives during the storm.
Farmer said he was unable to find open seats on last-minute flights and the rental car businesses were slammed with calls. The supply has fallen short of the demand.
Finally, after several Uber rides and countless phone calls, Farmer found a rental car that needed gas.
The sudden exodus created another problem for evacuees -- long lines at gas stations.
Farmer said he plans to drive the distance from Key West to Fort Lauderdale, where he's hoping there's a better chance of landing an open seat on a last minute flight back to the Hoosier State.
Jerry and Terri Engle, who have owned homes in Florida for the last 15 years, are working to prepare their home and pack up valuables ahead of Hurricane Irma.
They won’t be able to take everything, which upsets them because they have several irreplaceable family heirlooms in their home.
When looking for a hotel inland, they weren’t able to find anything south of Atlanta, so they will stay in the area.
The Engles have vacationed in Ft. Meyers for several generations and are no strangers to hurricanes. Terri and Jerry’s Sanibel Island home survived Hurricane Charley.
They are hopeful the storm’s winds slow down and their home is spared.
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