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Tropical Storm Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 9

National Weather Service Key West FL  AL102023

535 PM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023



This product covers the Florida Keys



**TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE LOWER KEYS** 



NEW INFORMATION

---------------



* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:

    - None



* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:

    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Monroe Lower Keys



* STORM INFORMATION:

    - About 300 miles southwest of Key West FL

    - 21.4N 85.1W

    - Storm Intensity 70 mph

    - Movement North or 360 degrees at 8 mph



SITUATION OVERVIEW

------------------



Tropical Storm Idalia continues to strengthen just southwest of the

western tip of Cuba. Air Force and NOAA reconnaissance aircraft

will continue to sample the storm structure and intensity this evening

and overnight. There have been no changes to the watches and warnings,

with a Tropical Storm Warning in effect for the Dry Tortugas and a 

Tropical Storm Watch in effect for the Lower Keys. Idalia will continue

to the north tonight, then accelerate to the north to northeast on 

Tuesday and Wednesday. The confidence in the track forecast is quite high

for the next 24 hours as it treks northward, followed by some

uncertainty as far as when the system will make a turn to the 

northeast towards the Big Bend region of Florida. At its closest point 

of approach, the center of Idalia will pass well to the west of the 

Florida Keys Tuesday morning and Tuesday afternoon. We expect winds to 

strengthen gradually over the next 24-hours, peaking Tuesday afternoon.

Strong tropical Storm- force wind gusts will be possible, particularly

in the Lower Keys and during occasional, thundery squalls. The 

persistent southerly winds, along with King tides, may result in 

coastal flooding up to 2 feet above normal high tides. In addition, 

rainfall of 1 to 3 inches, with locally higher amounts, and a tornado 

or two cannot be ruled out. Conditions are expected to gradually 

improve Tuesday night into Wednesday, although strong southerly breezes

will persist through much of the day on Wednesday.



POTENTIAL IMPACTS

-----------------



* WIND:

Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the

Florida Keys. Potential impacts in this area include:

    - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored 

      mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.

    - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban 

      or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on 

      bridges and other elevated roadways.

    - Isolated 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:

Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across the Florida 

Keys.



PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

----------------------------------



* EVACUATIONS:

WATCH/WARNING PHASE - If you are exceptionally vulnerable to wind or 

water hazards from tropical systems, consider voluntary evacuation, 

especially if being officially recommended. Relocate to a safe 

destination.



* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the 

exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging wind

gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of 

the storm. 



If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as in

a low-lying or poor drainage area, plan to move to safe shelter on 

higher ground.



When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded 

as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of strong 

gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness activities to 

become unsafe.



Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets

for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the 

forecast.



* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:

- For Monroe County Emergency Management Information, see 

monroecountyem.com/jic

- 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

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The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather 

Service in Key West FL around 1200 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions 

warrant.



$$



BT