Prepare as Hurricane Milton Approaches the Florida Keys

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

At this time, there are no protective actions in place. Officials will be meeting Monday morning to discuss actions, as needed.

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

According to the National Weather Service in Key West, There remains uncertainty in the level of potential impacts on the Florida Keys. These impacts may include:

• Coastal flooding, with potential saltwater flooding over Gulfside and Bayside locations of the Florida Keys Wednesday through Thursday. The highest coastal flooding may occur along the eastern portion of Florida Bay Wednesday through early Thursday. Details on the potential levels of storm surge flooding will become available later today.
• High potential (1 in 2 chance) for tropical storm force winds. If realized, tropical storm-force winds could arrive as early as Tuesday afternoon, but will most likely arrive early Wednesday morning.
• Several thundery squalls with localized wind gusts of 55 to 65 mph Tuesday night through Wednesday.
• Flooding rainfall is possible with amounts from today through Wednesday night most likely in the 5 to 8 inch range, with isolated locations receiving as much as 12 inches. Flooding of low-elevation streets and poor drainage areas may result.

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.

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