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 400 miles south-southeast of Key West FL - 19.1N 79.6W - Storm Intensity 70 mph - Movement Northwest or 325 degrees at 15 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ At 400 PM EST, the center of Tropical Storm Rafael was located in the Caribbean Sea about 105 miles east of Grand Cayman. Rafael is moving toward the northwest at 15 mph. This northwestward motion is expected to continue for the next few days. On the forecast track, the storm is expected to move near or over the Cayman Islands this evening and tonight, be near or over western Cuba on Wednesday, and move into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday night. 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 uncertainty in the exact structure and track of the storm, there remains some uncertainty in the level of potential impacts for the island chain. The potential for sustained tropical storm force winds remain at two in three at Key West, and near one in two at Marathon and Layton. Tropical storm force winds will most likely arrive early Wednesday afternoon. There is a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) of severe thunderstorms Wednesday and Wednesday night, 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 Wednesday through Wednesday evening, or about a foot higher than recent high tides. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across the Lower Keys. Potential impacts in this area include: - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles. - A few large trees snapped or uprooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. - Scattered power and communications outages. Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the Middle Keys. * SURGE: Protect against 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. - 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. * TORNADOES: Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across Lower and Middle 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, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across the Upper Keys. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. Refer to monroecountyem.com for the latest information. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: 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 NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Key West FL around 11 PM EST, or sooner if conditions warrant.