[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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WTUS82 KKEY 281608
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Hurricane Ian Local Statement Advisory Number 24
National Weather Service Key West FL  AL092022
1208 PM EDT Wed Sep 28 2022

This product covers the Florida Keys

**Storm Surge threat remains for the Florida Keys**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

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

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 130 miles north-northwest of Key West FL or about 140
      miles northwest of Marathon FL
    - 26.3N 82.5W
    - Storm Intensity 155 mph
    - Movement North-northeast or 15 degrees at 9 mph

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

At 1100 AM EDT, the center of Major Hurricane Ian was located about
130 miles north-northwest of Key West, or about 45 miles west-
southwest of Fort Myers. Ian is moving toward the north-northeast near
10 mph. This general motion with a reduction in forward speed is
forecast today, followed by a turn toward the northeast on Thursday. On
the forecast track, the center of Ian is expected to move onshore
in a few hours, move over central Florida tonight and Thursday morning
and emerge over the western Atlantic by late Thursday.

Widespread storm surge flooding originating from the Gulfside up to 4
feet above normal high tide levels is expected from Key West through
Big Pine Key later today. For some islands, the storm surge may
spill from the Gulf side to the oceanside. The peak storm surge levels
likely will occur from around noon through late afternoon. Many
streets will become impassible, with water into ground floor homes and
businesses, especially those in lower elevation areas.

For the Middle and Upper Keys, storm surge flooding of 1 to 3 feet
above normal high tides is possible. The highest storm surge for the
Gulfside and Bayside of the Middle Keys is expected later today during
the afternoon hours, with the storm surge in the Bayside of the Upper
Keys lingering into Thursday through Friday.

Other impacts to the Florida Keys include damaging wind gusts of 50 to
55 mph in isolated squalls, and additional rainfall of one to three
inches, with isolated totals approaching 4 inches through Thursday.


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

* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are imminent across the
Lower Keys. If realized, these impacts include:
    - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by
      waves. Damage to ground story buildings, mainly near the coast.
    - Sections of escape routes and secondary roads become impassable,
      especially in usually vulnerable low spots.
    - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
      Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
      unprotected anchorages.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across the
Florida Keys. If realized, these impacts include:
    - Flood waters can enter some structures if this rain falls during
      high tide. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid
      inundation at 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.

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

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Residents and visitors who have cars parked on higher ground should
wait until later this afternoon or evening before retrieving their
vehicles.

* 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 6 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

CLR
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