[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS82 KKEY 241545
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Tropical Storm Laura Local Statement Advisory Number 19
National Weather Service Key West FL  AL132020
1145 AM EDT Mon Aug 24 2020

This product covers the Florida Keys

**TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS EXPECTED OVER THE LOWER AND MIDDLE KEYS
 THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 240 miles south-southeast of Key West FL or about 240
      miles south of Marathon FL
    - 21.2N 80.6W
    - Storm Intensity 60 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 285 degrees at 20 mph

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

At 1100 AM EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Laura was located about
145 miles east of Isle of Youth, Cuba, or about 240 miles south-
southeast of Key West. Laura was moving quickly to the west- northwest
at 20 mph. This general motion with some decrease in forward speed is
expected through tonight. On the forecast track, the center of Laura
will move over the Caribbean Sea just offshore of the southern coast of
Cuba this afternoon, cross western Cuba this evening, and move into
the southeastern Gulf of Mexico overnight. Little change in strength is
forecast this afternoon, but strengthening is expected when the storm
moves over the Gulf of Mexico late tonight.

Although the Florida Keys have been spared a direct hit from the core
of Tropical Storm Laura, tropical storm conditions will extend out
across the Lower the Middle Keys, especially this afternoon and
evening. Sustained southeast winds will increase to 30 to 35 mph, with
occasional gusts to 45 mph. Against the backdrop of these strong winds,
thundery squalls will race to the west to northwest through tonight.
They will be capable of periods of sustained winds near 40 mph, with
the potential for destructive wind gusts 50 to 55 mph or greater.

Strong southeast winds will contribute to minor coastal flooding and
overwash along ocean-side shorelines. Tidal anomalies are currently
running about one-half foot above normal. Laura could bring in one
foot or more of additional saltwater flooding, especially along south
and southeast facing shorelines and canals. The main time of concern
will be during the high tide late tonight.

Isolated tornadoes are possible this afternoon and tonight, as the
Keys come under the favored northeast quadrant of the tropical storm.

The risk of freshwater flooding from rain has lessened.

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

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

* WIND:
Protect against 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:
Protect against 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.

* SURGE:
Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across the 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.

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

* EVACUATIONS:
There are no evacuation orders in effect for Keys residents or
visitors.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Keep cell phones well charged.

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.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather
warnings.

* 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 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$
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