[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS82 KKEY 240351
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Tropical Storm Laura Local Statement Advisory Number 17
National Weather Service Key West FL  AL132020
1151 PM EDT Sun Aug 23 2020

This product covers the Florida Keys

**Tropical Storm Watches remain in effect**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 450 miles southeast of Key West FL
    - 20.1N 76.6W
    - Storm Intensity 65 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 285 degrees at 21 mph

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

At 1100 PM EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Laura was located about
125 miles southeast of Camaguey, Cuba, or about 450 miles southeast of
Key West. Laura was moving to the west-northwest at 21 mph, and this
general motion will continue tonight and Monday. Intensification will
be limited over the next 18 to 24 hours as Laura tracks across Cuba.
Laura will exit the western tip of Cuba late Monday evening, then
continue west-northwest and steadily intensify over the deep and warm
waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Although the Florida Keys have been spared a direct hit from Tropical
Storm Laura, tropical storm conditions remain possible across the Lower
and Middle Keys, especially Monday through Monday night. Southeast
winds will increase to 25 to 30 mph, with occasional gusts 40 to 45
mph. Laura will pass close enough to the Dry Tortugas that a Tropical
Storm Warning is now in effect.

In addition to tropical storm force winds, the other concerns will be
damaging wind gusts from thundery squalls, minor coastal flooding, and
isolated tornadoes.

Thundery squalls will race to the west to northwest Monday and Monday
night at 40 to 45 mph. The most intense squalls will be capable of
damaging wind gusts 50 to 55 mph or greater.

Strong winds will contribute to minor coastal flooding and overwash
along ocean-side shorelines. Tidal anomalies are currently running
up to three-quarters of a foot above normal. Laura could bring in
one foot or more of additional saltwater flooding, especially along
south and east facing shorelines and canals. The period of concern
will be with the high tides on Monday afternoon and late Monday
night.

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

Monroe County Emergency Management currently has no evacuation
orders in effect for the Keys.

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

* 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.

* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across Lower and Middle 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.

* 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.

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

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, or on a boat, plan to move to safe
shelter.

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 6 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

CLR
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