FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE:
Good morning,
The latest update compiled by the NWS Operations Team is attached.
Weather Brief – PTC Nine – Florida Keys of Monroe County 7:00 AM – 9-24-2024
- A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for the Lower Florida Keys – west of Seven Mile Bridge – and the Dry Tortugas. A Tropical Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
- Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine over the northwestern Caribbean Sea is expected to strengthen over the next few days while moving northwest into the southeast Gulf of Mexico, becoming a hurricane on Wednesday as it moves north or north northeastward over the eastern Gulf of Mexico.
- There remains some uncertainty in the level of potential impacts to the Florida Keys until PTC Nine develops a well-defined center of circulation. However, these impacts are forecast to include:
- Storm Surge flooding, with potential saltwater flooding of 1 to 3 feet above ground level at the shore/lowest elevations. A Coastal Flood Watch has been issued for all of the Florida Keys from Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon.
- Frequent thundery squalls with wind gusts 55 to 65 mph, with the potential for tropical storm force winds over the Lower Florida Keys. These winds may arrive in the Keys as early as Wednesday morning, but most likely will arrive Wednesday evening.
- Heavy rainfall possible with amounts most likely in the 2 to 4 inch range, a few locations as much as 6 inches through Friday.
Residents and visitors in the Florida Keys should closely monitor the progress of Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine over the next few days, and be prepared to secure loose outdoor objects from strong wind gusts and take protective actions against saltwater and rain flooding.