HLSKEY This product covers the Florida Keys **TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE LOWER AND MIDDLE KEYS** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Monroe Lower Keys and Monroe Middle Keys * STORM INFORMATION: - About 270 miles south of Key West FL or about 280 miles south of Marathon FL - 20.6N 81.3W - Storm Intensity 90 mph - Movement Northwest or 315 degrees at 14 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ At 400 AM EST, the center of Hurricane Rafael was located in the Caribbean Sea about 195 miles south-southeast of Havana, Cuba. Rafael is moving toward the northwest at 14 mph. This northwestward motion is expected to continue for next day or so, followed by a gradual turn to the west-northwest in the Gulf of Mexico. On the forecast track, the storm is expected to move over western Cuba today, and move into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by tonight. There is high confidence in a forecast track across west-central Cuba into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, passing to the southwest and west of the Florida Keys. Due to some uncertainty in the exact structure and track of the storm, there remains a bit uncertainty in the level of degree of impacts for the island chain. The potential for sustained tropical storm force winds are now just below one in five at Key West, and just below one in ten at Marathon and Layton. Tropical storm force winds will most likely arrive this evening. There is a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) of severe thunderstorms today and tonight, including the potential for a few tornadoes. The most potent thundery squalls will be capable of localized wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph. Saltwater flooding for oceanside portions of the Florida Keys could reach up to 2 feet above mean higher high water today and tonight, or about a foot higher than recent high tides. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the Lower and Middle Keys. Potential impacts include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. * SURGE: Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across the Florida Keys. Potential impacts in this area include: - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore. - Sections of roads and parking lots inundated by surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where surge water covers the road. - Moderate beach erosion. - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across the Florida Keys. Potential impacts include: - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures. * TORNADOES: Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across the Lower Keys. Potential impacts include: - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across the Middle and Upper Keys. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area. If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options. If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large trees, a manufactured home, or on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of strong winds or flooding. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For Monroe County Emergency Management Information, see monroecountyem.com - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For Florida Division of Emergency Management information, see floridadisaster.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Key West FL around 11 AM EST, or sooner if conditions warrant.