####018006297#### WTUS82 KKEY 291535 HLSKEY FLZ078-292345- Hurricane Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 12 National Weather Service Key West FL AL102023 1135 AM EDT Tue Aug 29 2023 This product covers the Florida Keys **TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT** 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 190 miles west of Key West FL - 24.6N 84.8W - Storm Intensity 85 mph - Movement North or 5 degrees at 14 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Idalia 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 this afternoon, then slowly turn to the north to northeast this evening into Wednesday. Confidence continues to increase that the storm will make landfall on Wednesday morning in the Big Bend region of the Florida Peninsula. Idalia is currently making its closest approach to the Lower Keys, about 190 miles to the west of Key West. Outside of any squalls, tropical storm- force wind gusts will continue through late this evening, particularly along and west of the Lower Keys. Inside squalls, strong, potential damaging wind gusts will be possible. The persistent southerly winds, along with King tides, may continue to result in coastal flooding of around 2 feet above normal high tides. This was observed at this morning's high tide and will likely occur again at around the time of high tide Wednesday morning. In addition, rainfall of 1 to 2 inches, with locally higher amounts, and few tornadoes 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 remains open. However, there have been some cancelled flights. 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: - Minor 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. 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: Isolated tornadoes are possible in any squall, with limited impacts across the Florida Keys. Potential impacts include: - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings. 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 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. 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 Monroe County Emergency Management Information, see monroecountyem.com/jic - 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 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ BT