[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS82 KKEY 070341
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Tropical Depression Eta Local Statement Advisory Number 26
National Weather Service Key West FL  AL292020
1041 PM EST Fri Nov 6 2020

This product covers the Florida Keys

**TROPICAL STORM WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FOR THE FLORIDA KEYS**

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 500 miles south-southwest of Key West FL
    - 18.0N 85.2W
    - Storm Intensity 35 mph
    - Movement Northeast or 55 degrees at 12 mph

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

At 10 PM EST, the center of Tropical Depression Eta was located about
275 miles west southwest of Grand Cayman, or about 500 miles south-
southwest of Key West. Eta is moving to the northeast at 12 mph. Eta
is forecast to move across the northwestern Caribbean Sea tonight,
approach the Cayman Islands Saturday, be near central Cuba Saturday
night and Sunday, and approach the Florida Keys or south Florida late
Sunday.

The risk for multiple hazards is increasing for the Florida Keys,
including a long period of tropical storm force winds, coastal
flooding, heavy flooding rainfall, and isolated tornadoes.

Tropical storm conditions are most likely to arrive Sunday evening,
continuing through Monday night, with conditions gradually improving
on Tuesday. There is the potential for strong tropical storm force
sustained winds during this time. Therefore, preparations for Eta
should be completed by midday Sunday.

Coastal flooding, with levels potentially reaching 1 to 2 feet higher
than our recent high tides, along with overwash along shorelines, will
be possible.

Heavy rainfall of 5 to 10 inches, with isolated maximum totals of
15 inches, may cause significant rainwater flooding, including areas
not impacted by coastal flooding.

Isolated tornadoes will be possible as Eta approaches and moves
through the Keys Sunday night through Monday night.

Monroe County Emergency Management continues to evaluate transient RV
and camper evacuations, as well as local general population sheltering
for liveaboards, mobile homes, and the homeless. Monroe County school
closures have not been announced, but schools may be closed on Monday
if they are needed for in-county sheltering. A decision on sheltering
will be made Saturday, November 7.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across
the Florida Keys. Potential impacts include:
    - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage
      to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings
      experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile
      homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight
      objects become dangerous projectiles.
    - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
      numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
      fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access
      routes impassable.
    - Scattered 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.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across the Florida Keys. Potential impacts include:
    - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
      Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid
      inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as
      storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions
      become hazardous. Some 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, 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.

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

* EVACUATIONS:

There are no evacuation orders in effect for Keys residents or
visitors. Monroe County Emergency Management continues to evaluate
possible evacuation orders for transient recreational vehicles and
campers.

* 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 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, whether through your cell phone, TV,
radio, or NOAA Weather Radio. 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/782/Emergency-Management
- For Monroe County EM Hurricane Preparedness Information, see
monroecountyem.com/1214/Hurricane-Preparedness
- For Monroe County EM Evacuation Information, see
monroecountyem.com/897/Evacuation-information
- For Monroe County shelter information, see
monroecountyem.com/992/Shelters

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Key West FL around 5 AM EST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

Jacobson
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