[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Tropical Storm Laura Local Statement Advisory Number 12
National Weather Service Key West FL  AL132020
541 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2020

This product covers the Florida Keys

**TROPICAL STORM WATCHES ARE NOW IN EFFECT FOR THE FLORIDA KEYS AND
THE DRY TORTUGAS**


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

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

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 990 miles east-southeast of Key West FL or about 950
      miles east-southeast of Marathon FL
    - 18.0N 68.1W
    - Storm Intensity 50 mph
    - Movement West or 280 degrees at 18 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------

At 5 PM EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Laura was located about 100
miles west of Ponce, Puerto Rico, or about 990 miles east- southeast of
Key West. Laura was moving to the west at 18 mph. Laura is forecast to
move along the north coast of Cuba and through the Straits of Florida
as a tropical storm on Monday. Laura will make its closest approach to
the Keys on Monday afternoon and evening, then exit west past the Dry
Tortugas late Monday night.

The three main concerns with Laura will be tropical storm force winds,
minor coastal flooding, and isolated tornadoes.

Tropical storm force winds are most likely to arrive during the day on
Monday, continuing into Monday evening. Therefore, preparations for
Laura should be complete by late Sunday night.

Strong winds will contribute to minor coastal flooding and overwash
along shorelines.

Isolated tornadoes will be possible, especially with the Keys passing
under the most favored northeast quadrant of the storm on Monday and
Monday night.

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.

* 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, chimneys
      toppled, 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.

* SURGE:
Minor impacts are anticipated at this time across the Florida Keys.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
If relocating to a nearby shelter, leave early before weather
conditions become hazardous.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies
kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your
home or business.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track since hazards such as damaging wind gusts, storm
surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of the storm.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, or on a boat, plan to move to safe
shelter.

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.

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

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.

Be sure to let friends and family members know of your intentions for
weathering the storm and your whereabouts. 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 charged.

Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are
unable to make personal preparations.

If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their onsite
disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially pertaining to
area visitors.

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 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
- For Monroe County Emergency Management information, see
monroecountyem.com/index.aspx?NID=1
- For Monroe County evacuation information, see
monroecountyem.com/index.aspx?NID=255
- For information on shelters located outside of Monroe County, see
monroecountyem.com/index.aspx?nid=122
- For Monroe County shelter information, see
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 1130 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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