[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

[EMWIN Server]

WTUS82 KKEY 070917
HLSKEY
FLZ076>078-071600-

Tropical Depression Eta Local Statement Advisory Number 27
National Weather Service Key West FL  AL292020
417 AM EST Sat Nov 7 2020

This product covers the Florida Keys

**TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT ACROSS THE FLORIDA KEYS**

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 480 miles south-southwest of Key West FL
    - 18.3N 84.9W
    - Storm Intensity 35 mph
    - Movement East-northeast or 60 degrees at 10 mph

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

At 4 AM EST, the center of Tropical Depression Eta was located about
250 miles west southwest of Grand Cayman, or about 480 miles south-
southwest of Key West. Eta is moving to the east-northeast at 10 mph.
Eta is forecast to approach the Cayman Islands later today, be near
central Cuba tonight and Sunday, and near the Florida Keys or south
Florida Sunday night and Monday.

The risk for multiple hazards is increasing for the Florida Keys,
including a long period of tropical storm force winds, coastal
flooding, heavy rainfall, and isolated tornadoes.

Eta is expected to have a large area of strong winds and squally
weather extending well to the north and east of the circulation
center. Continue to closely monitor later forecasts and do not focus
on the exact forecast track of the center of Eta.

Tropical storm conditions are most likely to arrive Sunday afternoon or
early evening, continuing through Monday evening, with conditions
gradually improving late Monday night into Tuesday morning. There is
the potential for strong tropical storm force sustained winds during
this time. Therefore, preparations for Eta should be completed by
Sunday morning.

Strong winds will contribute to coastal flooding and overwash along
shorelines beginning Sunday night. Tidal anomalies are running about
three quarters of a foot above normal, and Eta could result in one to
two additional feet of saltwater flooding, especially along the
Gulfside of the Lower Keys.

Heavy rainfall of 5 to 10 inches with isolated maximum totals near
15 inches may cause significant rainwater flooding, including areas
not impacted by coastal flooding. At this time, the heaviest rainfall
totals appear likely to occur in the Upper Keys.

Isolated tornadoes will be possible as Eta approaches and moves
through the Keys from Sunday night through Monday night.

Monroe County Emergency Management continues to evaluate transient RV
and camper evacuations, as well as local general population sheltering
for liveaboards, mobile homes, and the homeless. Monroe County school
closures have not been announced, but schools may be closed on Monday
if they are needed for in-county sheltering. A decision on sheltering
will be made later today.

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

* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across
the Florida Keys. Potential impacts include:
    - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage
      to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings
      experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile
      homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight
      objects become dangerous projectiles.
    - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
      numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
      fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access
      routes impassable.
    - Scattered 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 to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
      and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across the Middle and Upper Keys. Potential impacts include:
    - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Minor to moderate flooding of low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as
      storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions
      become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.

Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across the Lower Keys.

* 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
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:

There are no evacuation orders in effect for Keys residents or
visitors. Monroe County Emergency Management continues to evaluate
possible evacuation orders for transient recreational vehicles and
campers.

* 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 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.

When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded
as soon as possible 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, whether through your cell phone, TV,
radio, or NOAA Weather Radio. 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 11 AM EST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

Jacobson
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