[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement
EMWIN Server
emwin at nashvilleweather.net
Sun Nov 8 03:29:21 CST 2020
WTUS82 KKEY 080929
HLSKEY
FLZ076>078-081600-
Tropical Storm Eta Local Statement Advisory Number 32
National Weather Service Key West FL AL292020
429 AM EST Sun Nov 8 2020
This product covers the Florida Keys
**EXPECT STRONG WINDS, HEAVY RAIN, AND COASTAL FLOODING FROM THIS
EVENING THROUGH MONDAY AS ETA MOVES OVER OR VERY NEAR THE FLORIDA
KEYS**
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 260 miles southeast of Key West FL or about 260 miles
south-southeast of Key Largo FL
- 21.5N 79.3W
- Storm Intensity 65 mph
- Movement Northeast or 35 degrees at 12 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
At 4 AM EST, the center of Tropical Storm Eta was located about 90
miles west of Camaguey Cuba, or about 260 miles southeast of Key West.
Eta is moving to the northeast at 12 mph, and is forecast to move
across central Cuba during the next few hours and then move into the
Florida Straits later this morning. Eta is forecast to pass near or
over the Florida Keys tonight and early Monday and be over the
southeastern Gulf of Mexico late Monday and Tuesday.
The risk for multiple hazards continues to increase for the Florida
Keys, including a significant 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 the latest forecasts and do not focus on the exact
forecast track of the center of Eta.
Tropical storm conditions are most likely to arrive this evening, then
continue overnight through much of Monday, with conditions gradually
improving late Monday and Monday night. The roughest weather will be
tonight and Monday morning, when sustained winds of 40 to 60 mph and
gusts up to 75 mph are expected. Only slight strengthening of Eta above
the current forecast could bring Category 1 hurricane force sustained
winds around 75 mph across parts of the Keys tonight into Monday
morning. Preparations for Eta should be completed by midday today at
the latest.
Strong winds will contribute to storm surge and overwash along
shorelines beginning this evening and continuing through Monday. 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 near
the Keys from late this afternoon through Monday.
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 this morning. Evacuations
have been ordered for trailer parks, boat liveaboards and people
residing in low-elevation areas.
In-county storm shelters will open at 12 noon today 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 closed through Monday. FDOT
will lock down the Snake Creek Drawbridge at 6 AM this morning, and it
will then remain closed for the duration of severe weather. Key West
International Airport will remain operational today, 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 extensive impacts
across the Lower and Middle Keys. Potential impacts in this area
include:
- Roof damage to some buildings, with some also having window,
door, and garage door failures leading to structural damage.
Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Damage
accentuated by airborne projectiles.
- Some large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and
access routes impassable.
- Scattered power and communications outages.
Also, protect against dangerous wind having possible significant
impacts across the Upper Keys.
* 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 rush to completion 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 11 AM EST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.
$$
Jacobson
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