[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Sun Nov 8 10:24:50 CST 2020 

WTUS82 KKEY 081624
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Tropical Storm Eta Local Statement Advisory Number 33
National Weather Service Key West FL  AL292020
1124 AM EST Sun Nov 8 2020

This product covers the Florida Keys

**HURRICANE AND STORM SURGE WARNINGS NOW IN EFFECT**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - The Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning have been upgraded
      to a Hurricane Warning, and the Storm Surge Watch has been
      upgraded to a Storm Surge Warning for the Lower, Middle, and
      Upper Keys.

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 210 miles southeast of Key West FL
    - 22.5N 79.2W
    - Storm Intensity 65 mph
    - Movement North or 350 degrees at 14 mph

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

At 1000 AM EST, the center of Tropical Storm Eta was located just north
of the central Cuban coastline. A gradual turn toward the north-
northwest is expected by this afternoon, followed by a northwestward
turn by this evening, and a westward motion by early Monday. Eta will
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 strong tropical storm force or
low-end hurricane 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 late this
afternoon and this evening, then continue through much of Monday, with
conditions gradually improving late Monday and Monday night. Hurricane
conditions are possible later tonight and early Monday morning, with
sustained winds of 40 to 60 mph and gusts up to 75 mph. 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. Storm
surge values oceanside will reach 2 to 3 feet, 2 to 4 feet for Gulf
side locations of the Lower Keys, and 1 to 2 feet for the remaining
locations of the Florida Keys. Note, the high tides over the past
several days have already equated to a storm surge value of around a
foot, so plan for surge to be 1 to 3 feet higher than the recent high
tides. Once again, the highest surge values will be oceanside to the
east of the center of circulation, and also along the Gulf side fringes
of the Lower Keys.

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. 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 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
locked down the Snake Creek Drawbridge earlier this morning, and it
will then remain closed for the duration of severe weather. Key West
International Airport will remain operational today. 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 Florida Keys. Potential impacts include:
    - Roof damage to buildings, with some having window, door, and
      garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged.
    - Some large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
      roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris.
    - Areas with power and communications outages.

* SURGE:
Protect against dangerous storm surge having possible significant
impacts across the Lower Keys. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by
      waves. Damage to buildings, mainly near the coast.
    - Sections of escape routes and secondary roads become weakened
      or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots.
    - Beach erosion.
    - Damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Several small
      craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected
      anchorages.

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:
Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles
can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.

If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, or on a boat, consider moving to a safer
shelter before the onset of strong winds or flooding.

* 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 500 PM EST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

CLR
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