A: Storm surge could be more of a problem with Frances because the storm has been a powerful hurricane for days. Charley didn't soar to Category 4 strength until just before landfall. Frances, however, has been churning in the Atlantic Ocean and pushing water ahead of it for days, therefore making storm surge more likely.

Q: What is the best scenario for the hurricane as far as its track and possible effects on the Tampa Bay area?

A: If it cuts across the state north of the area, it would have less of an effect here. Winds would be offshore, and that would mean less coastal flooding. A northern track also would put the area on the left, or weaker, side of the hurricane.

Q: What is the most dangerous side of the hurricane to be on?

A: The upper right, or northeast side, of a hurricane typically has the worst weather and the greatest risk of spinning off tornadoes.

Q: Are state and federal officials worried about having enough resources to deal with back-to-back Category 4 hurricanes?

A: Officials said Wednesday they have shifted the focus of their commands from recovery in Charlotte County to preparing for the possible toll of Frances. State and federal officials say they have enough money, manpower and supplies to handle a second major disaster in three weeks. FEMA closed its disaster recovery centers in several Charley-affected counties at 8 p.m. Wednesday until the threat from Frances passes.

Q: Labor Day weekend is traditionally a big tourist draw in Florida. What will the impact of Frances have on that?

A: State officials are urging anyone who had planned to travel within the state on a weekend getaway, or those coming from out of state, to closely monitor Frances.

Q: Many people in affected areas still have debris that has not been picked up. In the face of possible hurricane-force winds and those debris being turned into flying missiles, what should homeowners do?

A: Debris should be secured or disposed of as quickly as possible. It also could be moved to another location, such as inside a garage.

Q: Are officials concerned about a possible ``fear factor'' with Frances coming so soon after Charley's devastation?

A: Yes. The last thing they want is more people getting on the state's highways than need be. With Charley, many people left the west coast of Florida only to get in the storm's path in Orlando. Officials continue to urge people to stay with friends or relatives close to home in a non-evacuation zone or a local shelter as a last resort instead of getting on the highway.

Q: What is the status of Saturday's college football opener at the University of Florida?

A: A decision on the game with Middle Tennessee State should be made today. The same is true for Monday night's game between Florida State and Miami at the Orange Bowl.

Q: How often does the National Hurricane Center update its forecasts?

A: The center gives updated in- depth forecasts every six hours, in addition to position updates every three hours as a hurricane gets closer to land. New information comes out from the center at 5 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Q: What are good web sites to monitor Frances?

A: The National Hurricane Center's web site is http://www.nhc.noaa.gov Another good site is http://www.hurricanealley.net

Q: What other storms have affected Florida on Labor Day weekend?

A: In 1935, 408 people - mainly World War I veterans working in the area - were killed in the Florida Keys by a hurricane considered the strongest ever to hit the United States. In 1985, Hurricane Elena hovered and circled off the west coast of Florida for three days, causing major damage before heading off to Mississippi.

Q: How does Frances compare to Charley in size?

A: Hurricane-force winds for Frances extend to about 80 miles, making it twice as big as Charley. That could mean a wider path of destruction.

Q: When was the last time two major hurricanes hit Florida in such a short period of time?

A: In 1950, Hurricane Easy hit the Tampa Bay area around Sept. 4. Six weeks later, on Oct. 17, Hurricane King hit Miami

Q: What are emergency management officials in the Tampa Bay area telling residents?

A: They are telling people to be prepared for possible tropical storm force winds of above 39 mph and potential power problems. They also are urging residents of mobile homes to seek shelter with friends or relatives in the area.