The latest update to the weather brief concerning Hurricane Helene for the Florida Keys of Monroe County is below:
- A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for all of the Florida Keys, from Ocean Reef to Key West, as well as the Dry Tortugas.
- A Coastal Flood Warning remains in effect for all of the Florida Keys for saltwater flooding.
- Episodic squalls will continue across the Florida Keys overnight.
- Potential impacts from Hurricane Helene include:
- Storm Surge flooding of 1 to 3 feet above ground level. Saltwater flooding may extend over streets and low-elevation properties a few blocks from the coastline through this evening. On the Atlantic side, the saltwater flooding will likely approach the peak levels observed at this morning’s high hide. On the Gulfside, confidence is high in an extended period of some saltwater flooding this evening, although there continues to be quite a bit of uncertainty in the expected peak levels.
- Tropical storm-force sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph, accompanied by episodic squalls with damaging wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph and an isolated tornado or two. Tropical storm-force winds will continue through the evening, even outside of these squalls. Winds will slowly decrease overnight.
- Saltwater flooding of coastal roads, additional falling tree limbs and utility lines, and strong crosswinds on bridges will continue tonight, when road hazards will be harder to see due to darkness.
The next full briefing will be released by 12:00 AM tonight.
Briefings are also posted to https://www.weather.gov/media/key/DSS/dssbrief_land.pdf