[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS82 KKEY 292148
HLSKEY
FLZ078-300600-

Hurricane Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 13
National Weather Service Key West FL  AL102023
548 PM EDT Tue Aug 29 2023

This product covers the Florida Keys

**Tropical Storm Watch Remains in Effect for the Lower Keys**


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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Monroe Lower Keys

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 220 miles west-northwest of Key West FL
    - 26.1N 84.8W
    - Storm Intensity 100 mph
    - Movement North or 360 degrees at 16 mph

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

Hurricane Idalia continues to strengthen in the southeastern Gulf of
Mexico, now a Category Two hurricane with an eye-like feature peaking
out at times. There have been no changes to Florida Keys watches and
warnings, with a Tropical Storm Warning remaining in effect for the Dry
Tortugas, and a Tropical Storm Watch for the Lower Keys. Idalia will
continue to accelerate to the north this evening, then slowly turn to
the north to northeast overnight and into Wednesday. Confidence
continues to increase that the storm will make landfall on Wednesday
morning as a major hurricane in the Big Bend region of the Florida
Peninsula. A few additional squalls may push through the Florida Keys
through the evening hours, with tropical- storm force wind gusts
expected in any stronger squall. The persistent southerly winds, along
with King tides, may continue to result in coastal flooding of up to
around 2 feet above normal high tides. This was observed at this
morning's high tide in the Lower Keys, and will likely occur again at
around the time of high tide Wednesday morning. Additional rainfall of
around 1 inch, with locally higher amounts, and a few tornadoes cannot
be ruled out. Conditions are expected to gradually improve late
tonight into Wednesday, although strong southerly breezes will persist
through much of the day on Wednesday.

No evacuations have been ordered. Monroe County and City of Key West
report facilities and servicesremain open. Medical services and The
Key West International Airport remain open. However, there have been
many cancelled flights today. For further details go to
http://monorecounty- fl.gov/1236/TS- Idalia.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the
Florida Keys. Potential impacts in this area include:
    - Minor damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and
      unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown
      about.
    - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
      bridges and other elevated roadways.
    - Isolated 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 damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few
      small craft broken away from moorings.

Elsewhere across the Florida Keys, little to no impact is anticipated.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across the Florida Keys. Potential impacts include:
    - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually
      vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water
      occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become
      near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief 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, 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:
If you are exceptionally vulnerable to wind or water hazards from
tropical systems, consider voluntary evacuation, especially if being
officially recommended. Relocate to a safe destination.


* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
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.

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. Be ready to shelter quickly.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For Monroe County Emergency Management Information, see
monroecountyem.com/jic
- 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

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

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Key West FL around 12 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

BT
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