Monroe County Joint Information Center Eta Update

Nov 8, 6 p.m. Update

The latest TS Eta update from the National Weather Service Key West.

  • Tropical Storm force sustained winds are approaching the Upper Keys as of 4:00 pm EST, and expected to begin this evening.
  • Eta is expected to turn northwest by this evening, and pass near or over the Florida Keys late tonight and early Monday while strengthening to a category one hurricane.
  • Storm Surge Flooding may potentially peak in the 2 to 4 feet above mean high tide, aka “ground level at the immediate shoreline” range.
  • Highest values near 4 feet may occur over northern, Gulf-sides of the Lower Keys.  These peak values will be mostly likely to be realized if the center of Eta’s circulation passes through and north of the Lower Keys.
  • Note – these storm surge flooding values equate to waters 1 to 3 feet higher than the daily high tides you have observed this morning.
  • Eta has a large wind field with heavy weather extending well north through southeast of the circulation center – do not focus on the exact forecast track of the “center.”  Preparations should be completed for the possibility of category 1 hurricane conditions.
  • Potential flooding rainfall of 6 to 12 inches, with isolated maximum amounts near 18 inches through Wednesday evening.  Rainfall flooding may be compounded by coastal flooding in some areas, with neighborhoods prone to poor long-term drainage likely to have flooded streets for a few days.
  • The threat of a few tornadoes associated with Eta’s rain bands, extending far from the center of Eta’s circulation, most likely beginning late this evening and continuing through Monday.

Airports

  • Marathon airport is closed.
  • Key West International Airport will be closed at 9 p.m. Sunday. Please check with your airline as many have already canceled flights. A re-evaluation will be done Monday morning for when the runway can be reopened.

County/City Offices

  • Monroe County Board of County Commissioners Offices are closed Monday.
  • Confirmed City offices closed: Key West, Islamorada, Layton
  • The Clerk of the Court is closed on Monday.
  • The 16th Judicial Court System in Monroe County is closed Monday.

Bus Services

Bus service in Monroe County is suspended.

Bridges

Bridges do not close to traffic before a storm.

Snake Creek Draw Bridge is in “lockdown mode” and will not open to marine traffic that cannot fit underneath.

Electric

Keys Energy does NOT shut power off in advance of storms. If the storm causes outages, KEYS crews will work to restore power and be in the field until sustained winds reach 35 mph. If you lose power this time, you will stay offline throughout the remainder of the storm.

Garbage Service

Monroe County Transfer Stations will be closed on Monday, Nov. 9 due to Tropical Storm Eta. Trash collection will be delayed by a day this week throughout the Florida Keys, as long as conditions allow for trash collection to resume on Tuesday.

WHAT THIS MEANS:
If your normally scheduled collection day is Monday, it will now be Tuesday, if your normally scheduled pick up day is Tuesday, it will now be Wednesday and so on. This will continue through Saturday, Nov. 14, or when the regular schedule can resume.

Residents with questions regarding pickup days they should contact their local hauler:

  • Keys Sanitary: 305-451-2025
  • Marathon Garbage: 305-743-5165
  • Waste Management: 305-296-8297

Do not place household garbage, recycling, or yard waste along the curbside before Tuesday. Please secure all trashcans that are not already secured. Please also secure all yard debris, and décor, including toys, sports equipment, and lawn furniture by this evening.

Hospitals and Trauma Star

  • Staff at the Lower Keys Medical Center and Mariner’s hospitals are available for emergencies and normal operations.
  • Elective procedures for Monday are rescheduled.
  • Trauma Star will be grounded starting at 6 p.m. on Sunday for 24 to 36 hours or until safe operations can resume.
  • Fisherman’s Hospital is closed, and will be re-evaluated Monday morning.

Schools

Closed on Monday (including virtual), with plans to open on Tuesday, if conditions/shelter needs allow. Tuesday would be a B-day for middle/high schoolers.

Shelter Locations

Shelters are open. COVID -19 precautions in effect. Pets allowed. The shelters are located at:

  • Key West High School, 2100 Flagler Avenue (49 people)
  • Marathon High School, 350 Sombrero Road (2 people)
  • Coral Shores High School, 89591 Overseas Highway, MM89.9 in Tavernier (3 people)
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