[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

Sun Nov 8 16:25:45 CST 2020

WTUS82 KKEY 082225
HLSKEY
FLZ076>078-090530-

Tropical Storm Eta Local Statement Advisory Number 34
National Weather Service Key West FL  AL292020
525 PM EST Sun Nov 8 2020

This product covers the Florida Keys

**TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS IMMINENT FOR THE FLORIDA KEYS**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 150 miles east-southeast of Key West FL
    - 23.9N 79.5W
    - Storm Intensity 65 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 325 degrees at 14 mph

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

At 400 PM EST, the center of Tropical Storm Eta was located near the
Cay Sal Bank. Eta will continue to the northwest this evening,
followed by a turn toward the west by Monday. On the forecast track,
the center of 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 impacts from multiple hazards will come to fruition overnight and
Monday morning across the Florida Keys, including an extended period
of strong tropical storm force or low- end hurricane force winds, storm
surge, heavy rainfall, and isolated tornadoes.

Eta has a large wind field, with tropical storm force winds extending
up to 150 miles from the center. Although the center of Eta may pass
through the Lower and Middle Keys, strong tropical storm force winds
will sweep through the Upper Keys as well.

Tropical storm conditions are most likely to arrive 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 complete.

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 this evening through Monday.

In-county storm shelters are open 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 remain closed for the duration of severe weather. Key West
International Airport will close at 900 PM this evening. Marathon
Airport is now closed. 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:
    - Minor roof damage to buildings. Mobile homes damaged. Damage
      accentuated by airborne projectiles.
    - Large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway
      signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from debris. Several bridges, causeways,
      and access routes impassable.
    - Areas with 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 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.
    - 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:
    - Major rainfall flooding may prompt evacuations and rescues.
    - Flood waters can enter low-lying structures within multiple
      communities. Many places where flood waters may cover escape
      routes. Driving conditions become dangerous. Road and bridge
      closures with some weakened or washed out.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible significant impacts
across the Florida Keys. Potential impacts include:
    - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
      of emergency plans during tropical events.
    - Some places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of
      considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
    - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes
      demolished, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled,
      and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to
      the toll.

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:
Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of
life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any
orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency
Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are
unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.

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.

Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded
roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown!

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 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 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 1100 PM EST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

CLR
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