Expect rains, gusty winds and localized flooding as a storm system approaches the Florida Keys on Saturday morning.
On Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service Key West issued a tropical storm watch and a coastal flood watch for the Keys. Jon Rizzo, warning coordination meteorologist, said there’s potential for 1-2 feet of flooding — similar to king tides in October. The Lower Keys and Key West could see 3-6 inches of rain while the Middle and Upper Keys could get 2-4 inches.
“This could be a pretty wet system for us,” Rizzo told Keys officials on a Friday afternoon call. Rizzo said the Keys could see fast moving squalls with gusts around 45-50 mph.
Rizzo said the chances for tropical storm force winds remain low in the Keys. The system could become a low end tropical storm as it moves past the Florida Keys.
No protective orders such as vacations were ordered as of Friday afternoon. Monroe County Emergency Management said it is closely monitoring the system in conjunction with the National Weather Service in Key West.
County airports remain open and operational. Liveaboard boaters in Key West mooring fields were made aware of possible impacts from the storm system.
Residents are encouraged to secure loose outdoor objects including trash cans. More information can be found at www.monroecountyEM.com.
