Monroe County Emergency Management Joint Information Center: Hurricane Rafael Updates From the Keys

Monroe County Emergency Management is coordinating preparation efforts with local, state, and federal partners due to the threat of Hurricane Rafael to the Florida Keys.

To receive Monroe County Emergency Management news and informational updates by call, text message, and/or email, sign up at www.monroecountyem.com/alertmonroe.

The Joint Information Center (JIC) is being updated in real-time at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/JIC with local closures and recommendations from county and municipal officials. The latest updates are on the JIC website; here are some highlights:

Latest Updates:

• Stay off the water and roads, especially during squally conditions
• Government offices (county and municipal) will be open for regular service on Thursday.
• For Thursday: Lower Keys schools (south of the 7 Mile Bridge) will have a two-hour delayed start. Buses will run on a two-hour delay. Dismissal times will remain the same. Upper Keys schools (north of the 7 Mile Bridge) will operate as normal.
• Garbage service throughout the Keys will operate as normal.

• A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the Lower and Middle Keys from Key West to the Channel 5 Bridge, and for the Dry Tortugas.
• A Coastal Flood Statement remains in effect for the Upper Keys
• A Coastal Flood Advisory is now in effect for the Lower and Middle Keys

The National Weather Service Key West said the potential impacts for the Florida Keys could include:

• Coastal flooding, with potential saltwater flooding for Atlantic-side communities of the Florida Keys today and tonight. Water levels could reach up to 2 feet above mean higher high water, or about a foot higher than recent high tides.
• Tropical storm-force winds will most likely arrive this evening including sustained winds 30 to 35 mph and occasional gusts 40 to 45 mph, especially for areas west of the Channel 5 Bridge.
• There is a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) of severe thunderstorms tonight across the Lower Keys, including the potential for a few tornadoes. There is a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) of severe thunderstorms tonight for the Middle and Upper Keys, including a tornado or two. The most potent thundery squalls will be capable of localized wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph.
• Locally heavy rainfall is possible from passing squalls, resulting in flooding of streets and poor drainage areas. An additional 1 to 2 inches of rainfall are possible.

Residents and visitors should plan for deteriorating conditions over the next couple of hours. The heaviest weather will be this evening and overnight. Have more than one way to receive tornado warnings, such as a fully charged mobile phone and a NOAA Weather Radio with battery backup.

Please continue to monitor reliable sources, including The National Weather Service Key West and Monroe County Emergency Management.