####018006397#### WTUS82 KKEY 290915 HLSKEY FLZ078-291715- Hurricane Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 11 National Weather Service Key West FL AL102023 515 AM EDT Tue Aug 29 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 230 miles west-southwest of Key West FL - 23.1N 85.0W - Storm Intensity 75 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 14 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Idalia is now a hurricane and continues to strengthen in the far southeastern Gulf of Mexico. There have been no changes to Florida Keys watches and warnings, with a Tropical Storm Warning remaining in effect for the Dry Tortugas and a Tropical Storm Watch for the Lower Keys. Idalia will continue to accelerate to the north today, then to the north to northeast later today into Wednesday. The confidence in the track forecast is quite high for the next 24 hours as it treks northward, followed by some uncertainty regarding an expected turn to the northeast and towards Florida's Big Bend region. At its closest point of approach, the center of Idalia will pass well to the west of the Florida Keys during the day today. Winds in the Keys will continue to strengthen gradually through the morning and early afternoon hours, peaking this afternoon. Tropical Storm-force wind gusts will be possible, particularly along and west of the Lower Keys, and during occasional thundery squalls. Convective banding continues to advance eastward across the western half of the forecast area, with individual cells moving northward at around 50 mph. The persistent southerly winds, along with King tides, may result in coastal flooding of around 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 tonight into Wednesday, although strong southerly breezes will persist through much of the day on Wednesday. No evacuations have been ordered. Monroe County and City of Key West report facilities and services will remain open. Medical services and The Key West International Airport will remain open. For further details go to http://monorecounty-fl.gov/1236/TS-Idalia. 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. - 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. Elsewhere across the Florida Keys, little to no impact is anticipated. * 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. 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. * TORNADOES: Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across the Florida Keys. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: If you are exceptionally vulnerable to wind or water hazards from tropical systems, consider voluntary evacuation, especially if being officially recommended. Relocate to a predetermined shelter or 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. 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. There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For TS Idalia Specific Information from Monroe County Emergency Management, see http://www.monorecounty-fl.gov/1236/TS-Idalia - 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 11 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$