From the National Weather Service
Good afternoon,
The latest weather brief concerning Tropical Storm Idalia and the Florida Keys of Monroe County is attached. These briefings also post to https://www.weather.gov/media/key/DSS/dssbrief_land.pdf
- A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the Dry Tortugas. A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for the Lower Florida Keys, from the west end of the 7 Mile Bridge through Key West.
- Tropical Storm Idalia contains maximum sustained winds near 65 mph and is expected to move over the extreme southeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Tuesday, and reach the Gulf coast of Florida on Wednesday as a dangerous major hurricane.
- While the center of Idalia is still expected to pass well to the west of the Florida Keys, impacts
- Coastal flooding up to 2 feet above average high tide (ground level at the immediate coastline) along the ocean-facing side of the Lower and Middle Keys, and near 1 foot above average high tide along the ocean-facing side of the Upper Keys.
- Occasional thundery squalls with tropical storm force wind gusts and poor visibility in heavy downpours, with the highest threat for squalls over the Lower Keys and waters to the west from early morning Tuesday through Wednesday. A tornado or two cannot be ruled out, especially during Tuesday afternoon.
- Florida Keys residents and visitors should monitor future forecasts frequently throughout the afternoon and take protective action before nightfall to secure loose outdoor objects from being blown about, especially in the Lower Florida Keys.
The next briefing is scheduled for distribution at 6:00 pm ET this evening.