[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KKEY 231554
HLSKEY
FLZ076>078-240000-

Tropical Storm Laura Local Statement Advisory Number 15
National Weather Service Key West FL  AL132020
1154 AM EDT Sun Aug 23 2020

This product covers the Florida Keys

**TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE FLORIDA KEYS, LAURA TO
 MAKE CLOSEST APPROACH ON MONDAY AND MONDAY EVENING**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 660 miles east-southeast of Key West FL or about 630
      miles southeast of Marathon FL
    - 19.2N 73.2W
    - Storm Intensity 50 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 285 degrees at 21 mph

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

At 1100 AM EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Laura was located about
95 miles southeast of the eastern tip of Cuba, or about 660 miles
southeast of Key West. Laura was moving to the west-northwest at 21
mph. On the forecast track, the center of Laura will move near or over
the length of eastern and central Cuba tonight and Monday. Laura will
then move over the Gulf of Mexico southwest of the Dry Tortugas on
Monday night. Once Laura moves over the Gulf on Monday night, the storm
will start to slowly intensify.

The northern extent of sustained tropical storm force winds may affect
the Florida Keys on Monday and Monday evening, so preparations for
Laura should be finished by this evening.

In addition to tropical storm force winds, the other concerns will be
minor coastal flooding and isolated tornadoes.

Strong winds will contribute to minor coastal flooding and overwash
along shorelines. Tidal anomalies are currently running up to three-
quarters of a foot above normal. Laura could bring in one to two
additional feet of saltwater flooding, especially along south facing
shorelines and canals.

Isolated tornadoes will be possible on Monday and Monday night,
particularly during the time when the Keys come under the favored
northeast quadrant of the tropical storm.

Heavy rain will mainly be a concern if it coincides with the late
night high tides.

Keys officials have rescinded the mandatory evacuation of RVs,
campers, live-aboard vessels, and mobile homes, due to a reduction in
the probability of sustained tropical storm force winds. Therefore, no
evacuation orders are currently in effect for the Keys.

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

* 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 to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
      and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.

* WIND:
Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the
Florida Keys. Potential impacts include:
    - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
      mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
    - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
      uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
      shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
      bridges and other elevated roadways.
    - Scattered power and communications outages.

* 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, 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.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across the Florida Keys. Potential impacts include:
    - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
    - 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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
No evacuation orders are currently in effect.


* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies
kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your
home or business.

When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded
by this evening, before conditions deteriorate. The onset of strong
gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness activities to
become unsafe.

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 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 600 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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