[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement
EMWIN Server
emwin at nashvilleweather.net
Sat Nov 7 21:55:34 CST 2020
WTUS82 KKEY 080355
HLSKEY
FLZ076>078-081000-
Tropical Storm Eta Local Statement Advisory Number 31
National Weather Service Key West FL AL292020
1055 PM EST Sat Nov 7 2020
This product covers the Florida Keys
**EXPECT STRONG WINDS, HEAVY RAIN, AND COASTAL FLOODING TO INCREASE
SUNDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHT**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning, Storm Surge Watch, and Hurricane
Watch are in effect for Monroe Lower Keys, Monroe Middle Keys,
and Monroe Upper Keys
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 290 miles south-southeast of Key West FL or about 310
miles south of Key Largo FL
- 20.7N 79.9W
- Storm Intensity 65 mph
- Movement Northeast or 45 degrees at 13 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
At 10 PM EST, the center of Tropical Storm Eta was located about 140
miles west southwest of Camaguey Cuba. Eta is moving to the northeast
at 13 mph, and is forecast to cross central Cuba tonight, approach
south Florida and the Florida Keys on Sunday, pass near or over south
Florida and the Florida Keys Sunday night and Monday and be over the
southeastern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday.
The risk for multiple hazards continues to increase for the Florida
Keys, including a long period of tropical storm force winds, storm
surge, heavy rainfall, and isolated tornadoes.
Eta is expected to have a large area of strong winds and squally
weather extending well away from the circulation center. Continue to
closely monitor later forecasts and do not focus on the exact forecast
track of the center of Eta.
Tropical storm conditions are most likely to arrive Sunday evening,
then continue through Monday evening, with conditions gradually
improving late Monday night and Tuesday. The roughest weather will be
late Sunday night and Monday with sustained winds of 40 to 60 mph and
gusts to 75 mph. Preparations for Eta should be completed by midday
Sunday at the latest.
Strong winds will contribute to storm surge and overwash along
shorelines beginning Sunday night. Tidal anomalies are running about
three quarters of a foot above normal, and Eta could result in one to
two additional feet of saltwater flooding. The shallow sounds to the
east and west of the 18-mile stretch, including Barnes, Buttonwood,
and Card Sounds, and also the extreme Gulf side of the Lower Keys,
could potentially experience storm surge inundation as high as three
to four feet.
Heavy rainfall of 6 to 12 inches with isolated maximum totals near
18 inches may cause significant rainwater flooding, including areas
not impacted by storm surge.
Isolated tornadoes will be possible as Eta approaches and moves
through the Keys from Sunday night through Monday night.
According to Monroe County Emergency Management, mandatory evacuations
have been ordered for campgrounds and R/V parks, with all visitors in
those venues to depart by no later than 9 AM Sunday. Evacuations have
been ordered for trailer parks, boat liveaboards and people residing
in low-elevation areas.
In-county storm shelters will open on 12 noon on Sunday at Key West,
Marathon and Coral Shores High Schools. COVID-19 protective measures
will be strictly enforced, and rapid-testing kits will be used to
screen people arriving at the shelters. All three shelters are pet-
friendly.
All state parks in the Florida Keys are now closed, and they will
remain closed through Monday. FDOT has locked down the Snake Creek
Drawbridge, and it will remain closed for the duration of severe
weather. Key West International Airport will remain operational through
Sunday, but passengers should obtain the latest flight status from
their airline before going to the airport. Monroe County schools will
be closed and virtual classes are cancelled on Monday. Monroe County
courts and the tax collectors office will also be closed on Monday.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* WIND:
Protect against 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:
Protect against dangerous storm surge having possible significant
impacts across the Florida Keys. Potential impacts in this area
include:
- Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by
waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast.
- Sections of escape routes and secondary roads become weakened
or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots.
- Major beach erosion.
- Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Several
small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected
anchorages.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against 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:
Protect against 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 plans for general mandatory resident or visitor
evacuations for the Keys. Visitors who choose to stay during the storm
should remain indoors and be aware that normal visitor activities will
likely be suspended until weather conditions improve. There is the
potential for power, communications and other infrastructure service
interruptions.
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.
If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible.
Allow extra time to reach your destination. Some roads and bridges
will become very hazardous once strong winds arrive. Check the latest
weather forecast before departing and drive with caution.
If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter
rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or pets.
Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit.
Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather
warnings.
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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