Prepare for Tropical Storm Rafael as it approaches the Florida Keys

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

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

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

Latest Updates:

• Liveaboard boaters, campers, those in RVs, and mobile homes should seek safe shelter on Wednesday throughout the day.
  • The City of Key West's John Jones Navigation Center in Key West is open to liveaboard boaters who do not want to stay on the water. Opens Tuesday evening.
• Stay off the water and roads, especially during squally conditions.
• Schools are closed on Wednesday.
• Monroe County and City of Layton government offices will be closed on Wednesday; services will be remote where available. City of Key West offices are closed on Wednesday. Other city operations are as normal.
• No evacuations are planned.
• Public Participation ROGO Workshop scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Murray Nelson Government Center will still be happening.
• Boat races in Key West are canceled on Wednesday.
• Garbage service throughout the Keys will operate as normal on Wednesday.

Residents should secure their homes, yards, and boats, as significant weather impacts to the Florida Keys are most likely to occur starting early Wednesday morning.

According to the National Weather Service in Key West, impacts may include:

• Coastal flooding, with potential saltwater flooding for oceanside portions of the Florida Keys Wednesday and Wednesday night. Water levels could reach up to 2 feet above mean higher high water, or about a foot higher than recent high tides.
• The potential for sustained tropical storm force winds is now 2 in 3 at Key West, and just above 1 in 2 at Marathon and Layton. Tropical storm force winds could arrive as early as predawn Wednesday morning, but will most likely arrive around midday Wednesday.
• The potential for strong/damaging sustained tropical storm force winds of 55 mph or greater ranges from a little less than 1 in 5 at Key West to near 1 in 20 at Marathon.
• There is a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) of severe thunderstorms Wednesday and Wednesday night across the Lower and Middle Keys, including a few tornadoes. There is a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) of severe thunderstorms Wednesday and Wednesday night for the 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, especially Tuesday night through Thursday. Storm total rainfall likely will reach 2 to 3 inches.

Please begin your preparedness activities, including:

• Secure your yard and property: Bring all outdoor furniture inside. Secure anything that is not tied down-secure trashcans and any items that were not picked up.
• Boat owners should ensure their boats are secure, whether in the water or on a trailer on land.
• Monitor reliable sources, including The National Weather Service Key West and Monroe County Emergency Management.

Additional preparedness information can be found at www.monroecountyem.com.