####018006323#### WTUS82 KKEY 292148 HLSKEY FLZ078-300600- Hurricane Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 13 National Weather Service Key West FL AL102023 548 PM 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 220 miles west-northwest of Key West FL - 26.1N 84.8W - Storm Intensity 100 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 16 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Idalia continues to strengthen in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, now a Category Two hurricane with an eye-like feature peaking out at times. 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 evening, then slowly turn to the north to northeast overnight and into Wednesday. Confidence continues to increase that the storm will make landfall on Wednesday morning as a major hurricane in the Big Bend region of the Florida Peninsula. A few additional squalls may push through the Florida Keys through the evening hours, with tropical- storm force wind gusts expected in any stronger squall. The persistent southerly winds, along with King tides, may continue to result in coastal flooding of up to around 2 feet above normal high tides. This was observed at this morning's high tide in the Lower Keys, and will likely occur again at around the time of high tide Wednesday morning. Additional rainfall of around 1 inch, with locally higher amounts, and a few tornadoes cannot be ruled out. Conditions are expected to gradually improve late 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 servicesremain open. Medical services and The Key West International Airport remain open. However, there have been many cancelled flights today. 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 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: - 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: Prepare for a tornado event having possible 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 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 12 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ BT