The latest weather brief concerning Hurricane Milton and the Florida Keys of Monroe County is attached. Special Note: The storm satellite image and intensity/movement slide is updated to reflect an 11:55 am ET update from the NHC for Milton’s Category 5 strength. This update does not change the potential Florida Keys impacts based on the 11 am official NHC advisory.
- Hurricane Milton will move eastward to northeastward across the Gulf of Mexico and approach the west coast of Florida by Wednesday. Rapid intensification continues and Milton is a major hurricane.
- A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for all of the Florida Keys from Ocean Reef to Key West.
- A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect for all of the Florida Keys from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon.
- A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Dry Tortugas.
- Potential impacts to the Florida Keys from Hurricane Milton include:
- Storm Surge flooding, with saltwater flooding of 1 to 3 feet above ground level in low elevation areas on the Gulf and Bayside from Wednesday morning through Thursday. Atlantic-facing shorelines will be susceptible to crashing waves and overwash, leading to saltwater flooding in the adjacent neighborhoods.
- High potential (almost 1 in 2) for sustained tropical storm-force winds. Tropical storm-force winds could arrive as early as Tuesday evening, but will most likely arrive Wednesday morning. Tropical storm-force winds could linger into Thursday morning.
- Thundery squalls with localized wind gusts of 55 to 65 mph Tuesday evening through Thursday morning. Additionally, there is a low potential for a few tornadoes.
- Flooding rainfall is likely with total amounts through Thursday morning in the 5 to 10 inch range, and isolated locations receiving as much as 15 inches. A significant portion of this rainfall will occur today and tonight, well in advance of Milton’s closest approach. Flooding of low-elevation streets and poor drainage areas is likely.
- Residents and visitors in the Florida Keys should closely monitor the progress of Hurricane Milton. Protective actions to secure loose outdoor objects from strong wind gusts and protect against saltwater flooding should be completed by sunset Tuesday.
The next update is scheduled for 6:00 PM Monday.
Briefings are also posted to https://www.weather.gov/media/key/DSS/dssbrief_land.pdf