Heavy rain bands from Hurricane Ian inundated portions of the Florida Keys on Tuesday afternoon. In Key West, wind gusts up to 40 mph downed some trees onto streets.
Sustained tropical storm-force winds, greater than 39 mph, are expected throughout the Keys this evening. Severe squalls and dangerous driving conditions are also expected early tonight through Wednesday.
Jon Rizzo, forecast warning meteorologist for the National Weather Service out of Key West, said a storm surge watch also remains for the Florida Keys with a possible 1 to 3 feet more than normal high tides. Areas experiencing king tide could see 2 more feet.
Storm surge levels will peak midday Wednesday on the gulf side of the Lower and Middle Keys. On the east end of Florida Bay in Key Largo, Rizzo said storm surge could reach its peak on Thursday and remain through Friday, well after the worst winds and rain have subsided.
Rainfall inundated certain streets and areas prone to flooding from Key Largo to Key West. Layton Mayor Bruce Halle said 10.1 inches of rain fell in the area so far. A flood watch remains in effect for the Florida Keys. Rizzo said the Keys can expect another 4-6 inches of rain now through Thursday.
“We’re probably going to see some impressive totals when this is all said and done,” Rizzo said. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see a foot or maybe more than that at a few locations in the Keys.”
A tornado watch remains in effect for the Florida Keys through tomorrow.
A general population shelter is open at Key West High School for anyone who needs a safe place to weather the storm. Monroe County government offices and schools will be closed on Wednesday. Municipal offices are also closed Wednesday. Trauma Star helicopters are not in flight today.
Emergency operations (police and fire) will cease when winds reach 35 mph and will resume as soon as safe to do so. The Snake Creek Bridge drawbridge in Islamorada is locked down to boat traffic and will not open once winds reach 39 mph until safe to do so.
There will be no garbage collection in Monroe County on Wednesday. Updates will be posted at www.monroecountyem.com/Ian. Residents are asked to secure all trash and recyclables overnight. The U.S. Post Office is suspending mail delivery in the Lower Keys and post office locations from Long Key and south are closed.
