Avertizari vremea, Water Keys

Coastal Flood Statement issued September 24 at 12:04PM EDT until September 25 at 6:00PM EDT by NWS Key West FL * WHAT...Minor saltwater flooding will continue across the Florida Keys today through Wednesday afternoon, especially around the times of high tide. Major saltwater flooding of 1 to 3 feet above ground level at the shore and the lowest elevations will be possible Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon, with strong southeast to south winds impacting the Keys as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine moves northward through the eastern Gulf of Mexico and intensifies into a hurricane. * WHERE...The Florida Keys. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Statement, through Wednesday afternoon. For the Coastal Flood Watch, from Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Through Wednesday afternoon, minor saltwater flooding of low elevation streets and lots is likely, with little relief during low tide. Some storm drains will overflow, and some seawalls and docks will be overtopped. Boaters can expect less clearance under fixed bridges. Motorists should remember that persistent puddles around the times of high tide are almost certain to contain a mix of saltwater. For Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon, storm surge flooding may cause numerous roads to be closed. Low lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure may be inundated. Some shoreline erosion may occur. If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.

Tropical Cyclone Statement issued September 24 at 12:03PM EDT by NWS Key West FL HLSKEY This product covers the Florida Keys **Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Lower Keys** **Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Middle Keys** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Monroe Lower Keys - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Monroe Middle Keys * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Monroe Lower Keys - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Monroe Middle Keys * STORM INFORMATION: - About 380 miles south-southwest of Key West FL - 19.5N 84.3W - Storm Intensity 45 mph - Movement Northwest or 310 degrees at 12 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ As of 11 AM EDT, newly formed Tropical Storm Helene was centered about 380 miles south-southwest of Key West, and is moving to the northwest near 12 mph. This motion is expected to continue through tonight, followed by a faster northward to north-northeastward motion on Wednesday and Thursday. On the forecast track, the center of the system is forecast to move across the northwestern Caribbean Sea towards the Yucatan Peninsula through tonight, and then over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday and Thursday. Strengthening is expected during the next few days, and the system is forecast to become a hurricane on Wednesday. Helene is expected and continue strengthening into a major hurricane on Thursday, as it moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and towards the Big Bend region of Florida. The system is expected to have an unusually expansive wind field associated with it as it moves northward through the eastern Gulf, with tropical storm force winds extending out over 200 miles east of the center, likely reaching portions of the island chain. Expect frequent squalls across the Keys beginning tonight and continuing through Thursday or Thursday night. The strongest winds are forecast to occur Wednesday evening through midday Thursday, when wind gusts of 55 to 65 mph in squalls will be possible. Sustained tropical storm force winds of 40 mph or greater may arrive in the Lower Keys as early as Wednesday morning, but are most likely to arrive Wednesday evening. Storm surge flooding of 1 to 3 feet above ground level at the shore and lowest elevation areas will be possible throughout the Keys on Wednesday night and Thursday, and a Coastal Flood Watch is now in effect. Total rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated totals up to 6 inches, will be possible from this afternoon through Friday, with the potential for some rainwater flooding of low lying spots. 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. * SURGE: Protect against 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: Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across the Florida Keys. Potential impacts include: - 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: Follow the advice of local officials. Refer to monroecountyem.com for the latest information. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. 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. 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. If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as in a low-lying or poor drainage area, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground. 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 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 Monroe County Emergency Management Information, see monroecountyem.com - 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.