The effects of Hurricane Ivan in Florida in mid-to-late September 2004 were quite destructive, with over 14 direct deaths being caused by the storm, and at least $113 million in damage. After Ivan was a Category 5 at three separate points, the storm weakened to a Category 3 before making landfall in nearby Alabama. However, neighboring Florida still saw destructive impacts from Ivan. Preparations On September 9, while the hurricane was located off the coast of Venezuela, the National Hurricane Center forecasted Ivan to make landfall in southern Florida as a major hurricane within five days. As such, a mandatory evacuation was issued for all residents and visitors of the Florida Keys. According to newspaper reports, an estimated 50 percent of Monroe County residents evacuated the islands. Its forecast track shifted westward, and by September 10 it was predicted to pass near the Florida Keys before moving ashore near Cedar Key after paralleling the state's western coastline; however, uncertainty was noted. On September 12, a tropical storm watch was issued for the Florida Keys from the Dry Tortugas to Seven Mile Bridge. In the several days prior to Ivan making its first United States landfall, forecasters predicted Ivan to move ashore between Alabama and the western Florida panhandle. About 52 hours prior to its landfall, the National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane watch from Morgan City, Louisiana to St. Marks, Florida. About 34 hours before moving ashore, the watch was replaced with a hurricane warning from Grand Isle, Louisiana to Apalachicola, Florida, with a tropical storm warning further east to Yankeetown. Impact Florida Keys and Southern Florida The outer rainbands of Ivan produced a wind gust of 53 mph (86 km/h) on Key West; the winds downed some tree limbs across the Florida Keys, though the number of downed trees was limited by the passage of previous hurricanes Charley and Frances. While passing west of the area, the hurricane produced a 1 foot (0.3 m) storm tide. The mandatory evacuations prevented the delivery of products, which caused widespread fuel and food shortages at commercial establishments. As the storm moved through the region, an important Major League Baseball series between the Florida Marlins and Montreal Expos was moved to U.S. Cellular Field. Florida Panhandle Ivan spawned a tornado outbreak in Florida, leading to six deaths in the state. The maximum sustained winds recorded along the Florida Panhandle officially peaked at 76