MONROE COUNTY DECLARES STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY FOR TROPICAL STORM LAURA AND ISSUES A MANDATORY EVACUATION FOR ALL LIVEABOARD VESSELS, MOBILE HOMES, RVs, TRAVEL TRAILERS, AND CAMPERS

MONROE COUNTY DECLARES STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY FOR TROPICAL STORM LAURA AND ISSUES A MANDATORY EVACUATION FOR ALL LIVEABOARD VESSELS, MOBILE HOMES, RVs, TRAVEL TRAILERS, AND CAMPERS

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County declared a State of Local Emergency on Friday, Aug. 21 at noon and will be activating the Emergency Operations Center for Tropical Storm Laura due to a “threat of danger to the populace inhabiting Monroe County” and that the County “may require expedient action in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community.”

Monroe County has also issued a mandatory evacuation of all liveaboard vessels, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, travel trailers, and campers. General population shelters will be discussed Saturday morning to open on Sunday at 3 p.m. for those who live in vulnerable homes or aboard boats. More information will be forthcoming regarding sheltering. Recreational vehicles must be removed from Monroe County by noon on Sunday, Aug. 23.

Visitors staying or planning on staying in Keys hotels should be aware of hazardous weather conditions and consider altering their plans to not be in the Florida Keys starting at noon on Sunday, Aug. 23 until after the threat of Laura is clear.

According to the National Weather Service, there is high uncertainty regarding storm surge and rainfall potential, but there is confidence that the Florida Keys will be affected by Laura’s track and chances of tropical storm force winds are very likely Monday morning with the current forecast and timeline.

“Residents should continue to monitor the storm and be prepared for category one hurricane winds and strong squalls,” said Shannon Wiener, Monroe County Emergency Management Director. “Please secure all boats and outside items over the weekend for this event.”

Monroe County Emergency Management and the Florida Department of Health is reaching out to its special needs population for sheltering and transportation options for Sunday. Monroe County government offices will be closed on Monday, Aug. 24. Airports will continue with normal operations until Sunday when protective measures may be enacted. Hospitals plan to remain open but may reschedule elective procedures.

More information on preparing for tropical storms and hurricanes can be found at www.monroecountyem.com.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]