The sentiment around Key West the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 9 was one of relief and grief — relief for what could have been had Hurricane Milton set a more southern course and grief for what Florida’s west coast residents were facing.
High winds spawned by Hurricane Milton churned up the surf on the south side of Key West, throwing waves over the Southernmost Point buoy and engulfing the end of Edward Knight Pier in waist-high water.
Some residents had filled sandbags to prepare for tidal flooding in low-lying areas, while local marinas resembled a maze of spiderwebs, extra lines criss-crossing the docks and boat decks, and extra fenders protecting the hulls from heaving seas.
Forecasters say the Keys could see storm surge of 1 to 3 feet above ground level on the gulf and bayside Wednesday afternoon into Thursday. There’s a slight chance for sustained tropical storm-force winds Wednesday afternoon and evening. Thundery squalls could produce winds of 55 to 65 mph Thursday morning.
