HLSKEY This product covers the Florida Keys **TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FOR LOWER AND MIDDLE KEYS** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Monroe Lower Keys and Monroe Middle Keys * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Monroe Lower Keys and Monroe Middle Keys * STORM INFORMATION: - About 510 miles south-southeast of Key West FL - 17.8N 78.6W - Storm Intensity 60 mph - Movement Northwest or 320 degrees at 13 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ At 1000 AM EST, the center of Tropical Storm Rafael was located in the Caribbean Sea about 65 miles southwest of Jamaica. Rafael is moving toward the northwest at 13 mph. This northwestward motion is expected to continue for the next few days. On the forecast track, the storm is expected to move near western Jamaica through early this afternoon, be near or over the Cayman Islands as a hurricane this evening and tonight, and be near or over western Cuba on Wednesday. There is moderate 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 are now two in three at Key West, and around one in two at Marathon and Layton. Tropical storm force winds will most likely arrive around midday Wednesday. 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: Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across 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. Prepare for a wind event having possible limited impacts across the Middle and Upper Keys. * 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. - 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: Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across the 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, 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 ---------------------------------- * 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 - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org - 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 5 PM EST, or sooner if conditions warrant.