PREPARE AS TROPICAL STORM HELENE APPROACHES THE FLORIDA KEYS

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Emergency Management is coordinating preparation efforts with local, state, and federal partners due to the threat of Tropical Storm Helene.
 
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.
 
All preparations for any possible impacts due to potential heavy rain, high winds, and possible localized flooding or storm surge should be completed by sunset tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 25.
 
Monroe County Emergency Management advises residents and visitors in campgrounds, recreational vehicles, travel trailers, live-aboard vessels, and mobile homes to seek shelter with friends or family in a safe structure through the duration of the storm starting tonight through Thursday.
 
Residents should have their homes, yards, and boats secured as significant weather impacts to the Florida Keys would most likely occur starting this evening.
 
According to the National Weather Service in Key West, potential impacts to the Florida Keys include:

• Storm Surge flooding, with saltwater flooding of 1 to 3 feet above ground level at the lowest elevations and shoreline. Flooding may extend over streets and low elevation properties a few blocks from the shoreline, and occur most likely late tonight through Thursday evening.
• Tropical storm force sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph, accompanied by frequent thundery squalls with damaging wind gusts of 55 to 65 mph and an isolated tornado or two. These winds may arrive in the Lower Keys as early as late this afternoon, but most likely arrive beginning in Key West late this evening, and spreading throughout the remainder of the Florida Keys during the early morning hours Thursday. These wind conditions are forecast to continue throughout the day Thursday.

 
By this evening, please have your tropical storm preparedness activities completed, 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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