Joint Information Center Updates: Florida Keys Prepare for Tropical Cyclone One

MONROE COUNTY, FL – A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Florida Keys including Dry Tortugas.  A Flood Watch is in effect through Saturday evening.

The National Weather Service Key West potential impacts in the Florida Keys include:

  • Flooding from heavy rainfall of 4 to 8 inches and isolated amounts near 12 inches, especially over streets and in poor-drainage neighborhoods, may begin later today and continue into Saturday. Rainfall flooding will be locally worse from late morning through mid-afternoon Friday and again Saturday (near the times of higher high tide). 
  • Squalls with frequent wind gusts to tropical storm, especially from this evening through Saturday morning.
  • Isolated tornadoes are possible this evening and continuing through Saturday.
  • Minor coastal flooding of 1 to 2 feet above mean sea level along the Gulfside/Bayside Saturday, especially over the bayside communities along the far upper Keys (including Key Largo).   Significant oceanside wave overwash is expected Friday through Saturday, most evident around the times of higher high tide (especially late morning through mid afternoon).

Monroe County and Florida Keys preparations:

  • There are no evacuations ordered. There are no shelters opening.
  • Preparations should be completed today before 5 p.m. Friday as conditions are expected to deteriorate into the evening.
  • Monroe County government has moved its vehicles from low-lying areas to higher areas.
  • There are no government closures at this time for Friday.
  • Numerous commercial flights have been canceled from Key West International Airport by the airlines. Please check with your airline before leaving for the airport.
  • Garbage and recycling services remain unaffected Friday and Saturday.
  • Overnight camping at State Parks in the Florida Keys are closed tonight, Friday, and tomorrow, Saturday. Day use is expected to be closed tomorrow, Saturday.
  • Monroe County Emergency Management encourages all residents and visitors to be off the road and seek safe shelter with friends or family by nightfall.

Preparations throughout the Florida Keys should be continued to completion today for areas prone to rainfall flooding and the securing of loose, lightweight outdoor objects from squalls. Communities along the bayside of the far upper Keys should also plan for the potential of flooding from a combination of minor coastal flooding with heavy rainfall.

The Monroe County Joint Information Center (JIC) is compromised of information gathered during the county coordination call and includes emergency preparation activities from Monroe County, Florida Keys municipalities, and community partners.

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