Storm Surge to Be Focal Point of Upcoming Keys Hurricane Preparedness Workshop

FLORIDA KEYS – Storm surge is to be a focal point of the upcoming Hurricane Preparedness Workshop for the Florida Keys Tourism Industry, a virtual meeting set to begin at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 18. The workshop is being organized by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council in partnership with the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys and Key West.

“Storm surge poses the greatest threat to life and property in the Florida Keys,” said Jon Rizzo, the warning coordination meteorologist for the Florida Keys National Weather Service Office. “Impacts of storm surge can extend well outside the hurricane warning area.”

Rizzo is to participate in a conference-ending panel discussion on storm surge along with Jamie Rhome, the National Hurricane Center’s deputy director and storm surge expert, and Monroe County Emergency Management Director Shannon Weiner.

Part of their discussion is to center on lessons learned for the Keys from last year’s Hurricane Ian after the Category 5 storm slammed southwest Florida. The contiguous Florida Keys were not under a hurricane warning for Ian, but parts of the island chain were impacted by storm surge and a few regions experienced considerable damage.

The free three-hour virtual event is also to feature new NHC Director Dr. Mike Brennan as the keynote presenter. His remarks are to delve into the NHC’s new seven-day Tropical Weather Outlook, as well as the importance of storm surge watches and warnings in supporting evacuation decisions.

Other presenters include Chip Kasper, the meteorologist-in-charge for the Florida Keys National Weather Service Office, explaining how the local office interfaces with the NHC and how the Keys weather office supports decisions related to storm preparation, response and recovery.

Also on the agenda are Joe Roth, president of Regan Roth Insurance Agency, addressing new Citizens windstorm insurance regulations for the Keys and other flood risk areas; and Clint Barras and Andy Newman, web and public relations professionals for the TDC. Barras is to highlight an emergency accommodations module the TDC has to help support recovery efforts.

To register for the conference, send an email with your name, business name and email address to [email protected].

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