| here https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/index_hls5+shtml/060931.shtml or here https://www.weather.gov/srh/tropical Key West: Tropical Storm Elsa Local Statement Advisory Number 24 National Weather Service Key West FL AL052021 531 AM EDT Tue Jul 6 2021 This product covers the Florida Keys **TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS FOR THE LOWER KEYS AND PORTIONS OF THE MIDDLE KEYS THIS MORNING** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Monroe Lower Keys and Monroe Middle Keys * STORM INFORMATION: - About 50 miles southwest of Key West FL - 24.1N 82.4W - Storm Intensity 60 mph - Movement North-northwest or 340 degrees at 12 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ At 500 AM EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Elsa was located about 50 miles southwest of Key West. Maximum sustained winds remain near 60 mph. On the forecast track, the center of Elsa will pass just west of Key West during the next few hours, then continue moving north- northwest into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico today. The risk for multiple weather hazards continues for portions of the Florida Keys, including heavy rainfall, tropical storm force winds, mainly in squalls in the Lower Keys, isolated tornadoes, treacherous marine conditions, and coastal flooding. These hazards will extend well to the east of the center of circulation and beyond the edge of the track cone. Tropical storm conditions will continue across the Lower Keys and portions of the Middle Keys through this morning. Fast moving and frequent squalls will result in difficult driving conditions on the Overseas Highway through this morning, especially in the Lower Keys from the west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Key West. Winds will gradually decrease this afternoon and tonight. The threat for heavy rainfall continues, mainly for the Lower and Middle Keys, through this afternoon. Heavy rainfall of 3 to 5 inches, with isolated maximum totals of 8 inches, may cause significant flooding. Potential flooding from heavy rainfall will be aggravated this morning during the times of high tide. Coastal flooding of a foot to a foot and a half higher than our recent high tides, along with overwash along south facing shorelines, will be possible in the Lower Keys this morning. Isolated tornadoes will be possible across the Florida Keys today. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across the Lower Keys. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Minor damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Some large tree limbs broken off. - Hazardous driving conditions on bridges. - Isolated power outages. * SURGE: Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across the Lower Keys. Potential impacts in this area include: - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots. - Sections of roads and parking lots exposed to the Atlantic side may be inundated by surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where surge water covers the road. - Minor beach erosion. - Minor damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts, mainly across the Lower and Middle Keys. Potential impacts include: - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation in low-lying spots and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains. Driving conditions become hazardous. * TORNADOES: Protect against 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 disruptions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: No mandatory evacuation directives have been announced. Visitors in conventional lodging facilities should remain indoors until the storm clears the region. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a battery- powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy. Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check-ins. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For Florida Division of Emergency Management information, see floridadisaster.org - For Monroe County Emergency Management Information, see monroecountyem.com/782/Emergency-Management NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Key West FL around 12 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ Jacobson |