[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 34
National Weather Service Key West FL  AL112017
1214 PM EDT Thu Sep 7 2017

This product covers Florida Keys

* **Powerful Hurricane Irma poses an increasing threat and potential
 catastrophic affect for at least a portion of the Florida Keys **


NEW INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch have been issued for
      Monroe Lower Keys, Monroe Middle Keys, and Monroe Upper Keys

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
      Monroe Lower Keys, Monroe Middle Keys, and Monroe Upper Keys

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 820 miles east-southeast of Key West FL or about 780
      miles east-southeast of Marathon FL or about 750 miles
      east-southeast of Key Largo FL
    - 20.4N 69.7W
    - Storm Intensity 175 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 290 degrees at 16 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
Dangerous hurricane Irma just north of the Dominican Republic continues to move
west northwestward, before impacting the Florida Keys this weekend. There is an increasing threat
and a potential catastrophic chance that at least a portion of the Florida Keys will be affected
directed this weekend.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* WIND:
Prepare for life threatening wind having devastating impacts in the Florida Keys along the path of Hurricane
Irma this weekend.

* SURGE:
Prepare for life threatening storm surge this weekend. At the present time, there is potential for a 5 to 10
feet of storm surge along the island chain this weekend.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
There is currently a mandatory evacuation in effect for all Florida Keys residents and visitors.
If evacuating the Florida Keys or relocating to a nearby shelter, leave early before weather conditions
become hazardous. The FIU hurricane shelter is open today, but contact the Monroe County Emergency Management
center at 1-800-955-5504 for further information.

New information:

All three Florida Keys hospitals will be closing by Friday morning. .

Their closing times are:
Fisherman's Hospital in Marathon, 7 am Friday,
Mariners Hospital in Tavernier, 7 am Friday,
Lower Keys Medical Center in Key West, 7 am Friday.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders
that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives
of others.

For emergency purposes, have someone located away from the threatened area serve as
your point of contact. Share vital contact information with others.
Keep cell phones handy and well charged.

Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio or other local news outlets for
official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the
forecast.

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org
- For Florida Division of Emergency Management information, see
floridadisaster.org
- For Monroe County Emergency Management information, see
www.monroecountyem.com/index.aspx?NID=1
- For Monroe County evacuation information, see
www.monroecountyem.com/index.aspx?NID=255
- For information on shelters located outside of Monroe County, see
www.monroecountyem.com/index.aspx?nid=122
- For Monroe County shelter information, see
www.monroecountyem.com/index.aspx?nid=121

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.

$$

APA
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