Tropical Advisories from Weather Underground
Weather Underground Current North Atlantic Tropical Advisories
Invest 97 - North Atlantic
Updated:
Wind: 28 MPH | Location: 18.5 41.0W | Movement: WNW
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The Atlantic Hurricane Season starts officially on June 1st and goes trough November 30th with September as its peak month for cyclone activity, it is recommended to check the weather before you plan a trip to The Florida Keys in Hurricane season, This storms are very powerful and unpredictable on its path and intensity. Check the NOAA website to obtain information on Tropical activity, we update this site daily with information about this storms.
The Florida Keys are a very fragile chain of islands with only a two lane road, preparation and organization in an event of a Storm approaching to the keys is essential for a safe evacuation to the mainland.
Storm names for storms that form in the Atlantic basin in 2007.
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A tropical cyclone is a type of storm system characterized by a low pressure center and thunderstorms, producing strong wind and flooding rain. A tropical cyclone feeds on the heat released when moist air rises and the water vapor condenses. Because tropical cyclones are “warm core” storm systems, they are fueled by a different heat mechanism than other cyclonic windstorms such as nor’easters, European windstorms, and polar lows. “Tropical cyclone” is a meteorological term.
The adjective “tropical” refers to both the geographic origin of these systems, which form almost exclusively in tropical regions of the globe, and their formation in Maritime Tropical air masses. The noun “cyclone” refers to such storms’ cyclonic nature, with counterclockwise rotation in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise rotation in the Southern Hemisphere.Depending on their location and strength, there are various terms by which tropical cyclones are known, such as hurricane, typhoon, tropical storm, cyclonic storm, and tropical depression.
Tropical cyclones can produce extremely strong and powerful winds, tornadoes, torrential rain, high waves, and storm surge. They are born and sustained over large bodies of warm water, and lose their strength over land. This is the reason coastal regions can receive significant damage from a tropical cyclone, while inland regions are relatively safe from receiving strong winds. Heavy rains, however, can produce significant flooding inland, and storm surges can produce extensive coastal flooding up to 25 mi (40 km) inland. Although their effects on human populations can be devastating, tropical cyclones can also relieve drought conditions. They carry heat away from the tropics, an important mechanism of the global atmospheric circulation that helps maintain equilibrium in the Earth’s troposphere. Many tropical cyclones develop when the atmospheric conditions around a weak disturbance in the atmosphere are favorable. Others form when other types of cyclones acquire tropical characteristics.
Tropical systems are then moved by steering winds in the troposphere; if the conditions remain favorable, the tropical disturbance intensifies, and can develop an eye. On the other end of the spectrum, if the conditions around the system deteriorate, or the tropical cyclone makes landfall, the system weakens and dissipates.
EVACUATION
- Who should Evacuate?
Category 3, 4, AND 5 Hurricanes: By state statute, all persons are required to comply with an evacuation order. In this case, you will be directed to go to the mainland. FOR ANY HURRICANE:
- All persons that live in mobile homes, travel trailers, recreational vehicles (RVs), and boats are required to evacuate.
- Without regard to structure type, all persons that live in low-lying areas or directly adjacent to the water will receive a recommendation to evacuate.
- All persons that are sick, elderly, or disabled will receive a recommendation to evacuate the mainland.
- All women in their third trimester of pregnancy will receive a recommendation to evacuate.
- An evacuation is a slow, frustrating, time consuming experience. Evacuees exercise extreme caution in traffic, because they do not wish to loose their means of transportation. Provisions have been made to close US1 and move remaining evacuees into the safest structures available, as weather conditions deteriorate. You will not be caught on the highway during landfall of any hurricane. Remember these important points, while evacuating:
- Be prepared to leave early.
- Select and confirm your destination before leaving.
- Select your primary and alternate evacuation routes prior to leaving.
- Take detailed maps of areas around your destination and along your evacuation route.
- Monitor local media for important information from Emergency Management.
- Fill your Car’s fuel tank, first.
- Check all fluid levels in your car.
- Check your spare tire and tire changing equipment.
- Take an adequate supply of food and water.
- Have sufficient cash to meet your needs.
- Dangerous winds can often precede a hurricane by many hours. All persons evacuating with a large vehicle and those persons planning to tow a trailer or boat are required to leave early. Later in an evacuation, these vehicles will be removed from traffic.
Monroe County Shelters
Five Hard Facts About Hurricane Shelters in the Florida Keys
- Monroe County may not have enough shelter spaces for Category 1 or 2 hurricanes. This is especially true in the Lower Keys and Key West.
- There are no shelters in Monroe County that will be safe in the most deadly hurricanes (Category 3, 4, 5). These shelters will remain close during these most dangerous hurricanes. You must evacuate the mainland.
- The purpose of a Shelter is to provide a safe haven from the storm. DO NOT EXPECT substantial meals or comfort items. If you want special foods, bedding or entertainment, you MUST provide it yourself.
- NO MEDICAL CARE will be available at these shelters. If you expect to need medical care, you should make your own arrangements to evacuate to a medical facility on the mainland.
- Absolutely no pets, alcohol, or weapons will be permitted in the shelters. The shelter manager is in charge, and all will have a law enforcement officer. All laws will be strictly enforced.
Persons going to Shelters in Monroe County
Since Monroe County shelters WILL NOT BE OPENED in Category 3, 4, or 5 hurricanes, you will need to evacuate to the mainland (see below).
- Evacuation Zone 1
Boundaries: Key West through Shark Key. Includes Stock Island and Big Coppitt. GLYNN ARCHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - 1302 White St., Key West
- Evacuation Zone 2
Boundaries: Saddlebunch Keys through Sunshine Key. Includes Bay Point, Sugarloaf, Cudjoe, Summerland, Ramrod, Big Pine and Bahia Honda Keys. SUGARLOAF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - One block N of US1 on Crane Blvd., MM19.
- Evacuation Zone 3
Boundaries: Seven Mile Bridge through Conch Key. Includes Marathon and Key Colony Beach. STANLEY SWITLIK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - US1 (Gulfside) approx. MM 48.5. DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS BLDG. - (DAV) US1 (gulfside) MM 51.
- Evacuation Zone 4
Boundaries: Long Key through Islamorada. Includes Layton and Lower Matecumbe Key. ISLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL - US1 (gulfside) in Islamorada, approx. MM 83.5.
- Evacuation Zone 5
Boundaries: Windley Key through Mile Marker 94 in Key Largo, including Plantation Key & Tavernier. PLANTATION KEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - US1 (gulfside) MM90. CORAL SHORES HIGH SCHOOL - US1 (Oceanside) Key Largo, MM 90
- Evacuation Zone 6
Boundaries: MM 94 Key Largo to , but not including, Ocean Reef. KEY LARGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL _ US1(Oceanside) Key Largo, MM 105. ST JUSTIN CATHOLIC CHURCH - US1 (Gulfside) Key Largo, MM 105.5.
- Evacuation Zone 7
Boundaries: Ocean Reef Club Use Dade County Shelters ( See Below)
Persons Evacuating to Dade County
Monroe County residents seeking public shelter in Dade County should take the Fl Turnpike Extension from Fl City to Florida International University (F.I.U.) at the US 41/SW 8th St. Exit (MM25X). See map below. This is the officially designated location to provide shelter for Monroe County residents. Do not report to other Dade County shelters as they may not be open. IMPORTANT: Bring items with you as shown in “What to bring to a Shelter”. Upon entering Dade County, turn your radio to station WIOD (610 AM) or WFLC (97.3F) to receive emergency information.
What to Bring to a Shelter
Water, food: Water–one gallon of water per person, per day. Food–Non-perishable, needing little or no cooking, such as ready-to-eat meats, fruits, vegetables, and canned juices. High energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, and other snack foods. Special dietary foods–such as diabetic, low salt, liquid diet, and baby food and formula. Manual can opener. Eating and drinking utensils including paper plates. Portable ice chest with ice. Clothing and bedding: One complete change of clothing including footwear. Sleeping bag, blanket and pillow (cots for elderly)–cots will not be provided. Rain gear and sturdy shoes. Personal items: Washcloth, small towel, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, tampons, paper towels, toilet paper, towelettes, etc. Medications, first-aid supplies: Medications–clearly marked with your name, dosage, type of medication, and prescribing physician. You must be able to take all medications by yourself. First-Aid kit in a waterproof box. Baby supplies: Clothes, diapers, formula, bottles, nipples, food, blankets. Important papers: Name and address of doctors. Name and address of nearest relative not living in area. Identification and valuable papers. Miscellaneous: Games, cards, toys, battery powered radios, flashlights (no candles or lanterns), batteries, or other reasonable items you may need. Take a bath and eat before you leave home. Register immediately upon entering the shelter. Obey shelter rules. Keep the building safe and sanitary. Not allowed: NO pets, alcoholic beverages, or weapons.
State of Florida Emergency Management Act
Florida Statue 252.355 - Registration of disabled citizens; notice (1) In order to meet the special needs of persons who would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering because of physical and mental handicaps, each local emergency management agency in the state shall maintain a registry of disabled persons located within the jurisdiction of the local agency. The registration shall identify those persons in need of assistance and plan for resource allocation to meet those identified needs.
Evacuation and Sheltering Information
Monroe County Social Services offers evacuation transportation to elderly and disabled citizens in the event of an emergency or disaster. You must register with Social Services for this service. You should seek help or shelter from friends, neighbors, or family in a hurricane or other disaster. Public shelters should be a last resort for those who have no other choice. If you have to go to a public shelter, try to ride with friends, neighbors, or family if you cannot drive yourself. If Social Services transports you in a category three, four, or five storm, we will pick you up at your home, and take you to a “staging area” where you will get on a school bus to ride to Miami. In a category one or two storm, you will be taken directly to a local shelter. Please remember that space and supplies are limited at public shelters. Very few comforts will be available. The only bedding available may be blankets and sheets. If you need special foods, you should bring a couple days supply of food that will not spoil. It may be several hours before shelters are fully supplied. Please see “What to Bring to a Shelter” If you have registered with Social Services and requested transportation assistance, you will be contacted by phone in advance of evacuation. When we call, you will need to decide whether you will be evacuating and let us know at that time. We will not be able to call you back. If you decide to evacuate, we will give you an approximate time we expect to pick you up. You must have your belongings and supplies packed and ready to go. Monroe County Social Services Lower Keys: 5100 College Road, Wing 3 Key West, FL 33040 292-4591 Middle Keys: 490 63rd Street, Ocean Marathon, FL 33050 289-6016 Upper Keys: 88820 Overseas Highway, Annex Plantation Key, FL 33070 852-7125
Before, During, and After the Hurricane
When a Hurricane Threatens
Any time a tropical weather system threatens Monroe County:
- Monitor local radio broadcasts for emergency information. Emergency Management recommends that every family also have a NOAA Weather Radio.
- Re-check all emergency supplies and equipment to be sure that you have enough supplies, and that everything is in good working order.
- Fill your car’s fuel tank and check oil, water, and battery.
- Secure your storm window shutters, tape windows to minimize flying glass, make any other necessary repairs.
- Locate the main cut-off switches for electricity, water and gas. Secure LP gas tanks.
- Secure your boat immediately.
- Secure all essential records and documents in a safe, water-tight place
- If you do not have a car, make arrangements friend, relative, or neighbor to go with them to a shelter or evacuate.
- Be prepared to evacuate upon the recommendation or order of Emergency Management.
During the Hurricane Watch and Warning
As soon as a Hurricane Watch is issued for any part of Monroe County, take immediate actions to protect your life and property:
- Closely monitor local radio for emergency instructions from Monroe County Emergency Management, Hurricane updates from the National Hurricane Center, and local weather statements from Key West weather.
- Secure all outside objects. Bring loose objects indoors.
- Chlorinate your pool, and turn off any electrical connections to the pool. You may safely place aluminum lawn furniture in the pool.
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Open only as necessary.
- Lower any outside antennae, masts or towers. Be very careful to avoid power lines.
- Do not use telephone any more than necessary. Dial 911 ONLY in emergencies.
- Fill your bathtub and any other large containers with water washing, cleaning, and to flush the toilets.
- Have one gallon of water per person, per day available to meet your drinking and cooking needs for a two week period.
- Before leaving, contact a friend or family member in another area. Tell them where you are going, when you are leaving, and who is with you. Let them know you will be relying on them, after the hurricane, to get information to the rest of the family. Call them again later, to tell them you have reached your destination.
- Evacuate as soon as you ready to leave, do not wait for further instructions.
During the Hurricane
- Monitor local media for emergency instruction. Rumors will be commonplace. Listen only to official statements from Emergency Management and the National Weather Service.
- Stay indoors. Retreat to the most protected area of your house. Stay away from doors and windows (even if they are shuttered).
- If the calm hurricane “eye” passes over your area, continue to stay indoors. Make outside emergency repairs only when absolutely necessary. In the “eye” wind and rain may subside or stop for a few minutes, or for more than an hour. Beware - winds will suddenly return at great intensity from the opposite direction.
- Turn off the interior electricity and gas. Use flashlights and battery operated lanterns for light. Avoid using candles if possible. Have a fire extinguisher ready.
- Call 911 ONLY for emergencies. Avoid using your telephone unless necessary.
- Remain indoors until the “all clear” notice is given by Emergency Management, or local law enforcement. Be aware that a curfew may be imposed immediately following a major hurricane. If you are in a Shelter, do not leave until the Shelter Manager tells you it is safe. Roads will be impassable and power lines will be down.
After the Storm
After a hurricane, it is likely that governmental services, utilities, and most businesses will not be operational for an extended period of time. This could mean no electricity, no water, and no food supplies. Transportation will be difficult. Bridges and roads may be washed out or damaged. A dusk-to-dawn curfew may be imposed. Living through the hurricane is just the beginning of the discomfort and inconvenience.
- Pay strict attention to instructions from Emergency Management and Law Enforcement agencies. Obey all curfews and emergency orders which are issued.
- Stay away from disaster areas. Do not sightsee.
- If you must drive, use caution. Beware of road and bridge washout. Remember that you treat an intersection with a broken traffic signal as if it is a four way stop.
- Advise interested friends and relatives that you are safe.
- Use caution when using any food from your refrigerator or ice chest. Check for spoilage.
- If you arrived at a shelter on a public bus, return transportation will be provided as soon as possible.
- Avoid all downed power lines. Assume that all downed lines have live electricity.
- Check your electric, gas and water connections before turning them back on.
- Use the following numbers to report utility problems:
- City Electric 294-5676
- FL Keys Electric Co-Op 743-5344 or 664-4617
- FL Keys Aqueduct Authority
- 296-2454 (Lower Keys)
- 743-5727 (Middle Keys)
- 852-3025 (Upper Keys)
Surviving a Hurricane
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, usually form June 1 through November 30 (the official hurricane season). However, hurricanes can develop before and after these dates. A tropical weather system becomes a hurricane when its sustained winds reach 75 mph. As was seen with hurricane Andrew, gusts can reach 200 mph.
Because the Florida Keys consists of a chain of small, low-lying islands, we are vulnerable to both the high winds and storm surge associated with hurricanes. The reef that many people think protects the keys from hurricanes extends all along the length of the keys, but did not save the hundreds of people who died during the great Labor Day Hurricane of 1935. For your personal safety, therefore, it is very important that you read and act on the following information. Your first step is to….
Develop a Family Plan for Hurricane Survival
- Plan A. Relocate outside this Area-Evacuation
Your safest option is always to leave the Keys whenever a hurricane threatens the area. Leave early to avoid traffic congestion and bad weather.
- Plan B. Stay in your home or with a Friend or Relative
You should consider this option if you have compelling reasons to stay during a hurricane, and you know the house is safe. Consider the following points: First, the elevation of the house MUST BE HIGHER THAN THE MAXIMUM STORM SURGE FORECAST FOR YOUR AREA. Second, the house should have storm shutters for all windows and doors. Third, you should be well prepared with food, water, and other emergency supplies. (See “Before a Hurricane”, below). Finally, you should be healthy enough to withstand any of the hardships which may result from your decision to stay. Note: Emergency Medical-Fire/Rescue-Law Enforcement units will not be able to respond once Hurricane conditions arrive. Service will NOT be restored until weather conditions subside, roads are passable and if equipment is operable.
- Plan C. Go to a Shelter
Do not stay in your home or go to another person’s home unless you are certain it will be safe. You may wish to go to a Shelter. These shelters will not be open unless your safety in them is assured. Shelters in Monroe County are safe for Category One and Two Hurricanes. However, they can become very dangerous when wind speeds exceed 110 mph (Category Three). If there is any risk that Category 3,4, or 5 conditions will be felt in Monroe County, our local shelters will remain closed and you will be directed to seek shelter on the mainland.
Before A Hurricane
Early in the hurricane season you should:
- Develop a family plan for hurricane survival.
- Plan what you will do with your pet if a hurricane threatens.
- Inventory personal property, and safely secure all records and valuable documents (consider a safe deposit box).
- Obtain or check materials to protect your windows and doors (shutters are recommended).
- Trim trees and branches, remove coconuts and other yard debris ( beware of power lines).
- Check your roof and the structure of your house. Make necessary repairs.
- Check fire extinguishers.
- Make arrangements to secure your boat.
- Identify a family or friend member that you will keep informed about how you are doing. Instruct other friends and family members to get this information from them. This person must live in an area that will not be threatened by the hurricane.
- Put together a personal disaster survival kit. Include at a minimum:
- Portable radio with extra batteries.
- Flashlights with extra batteries.
- First Aid kit
- Portable ice chest.
- Canned and non-perishable food.
- Emergency cooking supplies and utensils.
- Drinking water storage containers.
- Emergency repair supplies.
- Medicines and sanitary supplies, including extra diapers.
- Prescription eyeglasses.
- Phone directory of people you may need to contact
By international agreement, Tropical Cyclone is the general term for all cyclone circulations (including hurricanes) originating over tropical waters, classified by form and intensity as follows:
- TROPICAL WAVE: A trough of low pressure in the trade-wind easterly.
- TROPICAL DISTURBANCE A moving area of thunderstorms in the Tropics that maintains its identity for 24 hours or more. A common phenomenon in the tropics.
- TROPICAL DEPRESSION A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind is 38 mph (33 knots) or less.
- TROPICAL STORM WATCH Is issued for a coastal area when there is a threat of tropical storm conditions within 36 hours.
- TROPICAL STORM WARNING A warning for tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds within the range of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 knots) which are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less.
- TROPICAL STORM A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind ranges from 39-73 mph (34-63 knots) inclusive.
- HURRICANE WATCH An announcement that hurricane conditions pose a possible threat to a specified coastal area within 36 hours.
- HURRICANE WARNING A warning that sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less.
- HURRICANE A tropical cyclone in which maximum sustained surface wind is 74 mph (64 knots) or greater.
- HURRICANE EYE The relatively calm area near the center of the storm that can last from several minutes to over an hour, depending on the hurricane’s size and speed, which ends suddenly as winds return from the opposite direction, possibly with even greater force.
- STORM SURGE A dome-like rise in ocean level associated with a hurricane. The difference between this abnormal rise in sea level and the level that would occur otherwise is called the storm surge. It is highest along and to the immediate right of where the hurricane strikes land.
- SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY An alert issued to small boats in coastal waters for winds of 23 - 38 mph (20-23 knots). However, when a tropical storm or hurricane threatens a coastal area, small craft are advised to remain in port or not venture into open seas.
- FLASH FLOOD WATCH Means that flash flood conditions are possible within the designated watch area.
- FLASH FLOOD WARNING Means a flash flood has been reported or is imminent.
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