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Tropical Storm Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 7

National Weather Service Key West FL  AL102023

519 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023



This product covers the Florida Keys



...TROPICAL STORM IDALIA CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN AS IT MOVES SLOWLY

NORTHWARD IN THE FAR NORTHWESTERN CARIBBEAN SEA...



NEW INFORMATION

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* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:

    - None



* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:

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



* STORM INFORMATION:

    - About 380 miles southwest of Key West FL

    - 20.1N 85.2W

    - Storm Intensity 65 mph

    - Movement North or 360 degrees at 7 mph



SITUATION OVERVIEW

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



Tropical Storm Idalia continues to steadily gather strength as it 

has begun to move slowly northward toward the Yucatan Channel. There 

has been no changes in watches and warnings, with a Tropical Storm 

Warning remaining in effect for Dry Tortugas and a Tropical Storm 

Watch in effect for the Lower Florida Keys. Idalia is expected to 

accelerate northward later today and north northeastward through 

tomorrow. Idalia is expected to remain well west of the Florida Keys as

it passes to our north. However, Idalia is expected to be a large 

system and is expected to affect the Keys. Expect winds to gradually 

strengthen over the next 24 to 36 hours, peaking Tuesday afternoon. 

The strongest impacts will be experienced across the western portion of

the forecast area. Tropical Storm-force wind gusts will be possible 

particularly in the Lower Keys. This along with spring tides may result

in coastal flooding of 1 to 2 feet. In addition, rainfall of 1 to 3 

inches, with locally higher amounts, and isolated tornadoes will be 

possible. Conditions are expected to gradually improve Tuesday night 

into Wednesday.



POTENTIAL IMPACTS

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



* WIND:

Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the 

Florida 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 Lower 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.



Elsewhere across the Florida Keys, little to no impact is anticipated.



* 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

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



* 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.



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

-----------



The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather 

Service in Key West FL around 1100 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions 

warrant.



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