The Florida Keys continue to be under a tropical storm watch as a powerful Hurricane Milton begins its track toward southwest Florida.
Data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicated Milton strengthened on Monday afternoon to a category 5 hurricane with sustained winds around 175 mph. As of Monday afternoon, Milton was moving east at 9 mph. Milton is roughly 635 miles west-southwest of Key West.
Jon Rizzo, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service Key West, said Hurricane Milton is expected to bring 1-3 feet of coastal flooding above ground level in low-lying areas on the gulf and bayside early Wednesday morning through Thursday. As a result, a coastal flood watch is in effect for the Florida Keys. Atlantic facing shorelines will be susceptible to waves and over-wash, leading to saltwater flooding in the adjacent neighborhoods.
Rainfall totals are expected to be anywhere between 5 and 10 inches, with isolated locations seeing 15 inches.
There’s high potential for winds of 30-40 mph throughout the Keys, with 55-65 mph wind gusts at times. The winds are expected to arrive as early as Tuesday evening. Key West could see tropical storm force winds as soon as Wednesday morning.
No school closings were announced during a coordinating call with county officials on Monday afternoon. A decision will be made by the school Tuesday morning, per Superintendent Theresa Axford.
The Key West International Airport remains open.
Closures as of Monday afternoon
- All Florida Department of Health offices will close Wednesday, Oct. 9.
