MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Emergency Management is coordinating preparedness efforts with local, state, and federal partners due to the potential threat of Tropical Disturbance/Tropical Storm Fred.
Now is the time for you to prepare for any possible impacts due to potential heavy rain, high winds, and possible localized flooding or storm surge.
Monroe County Emergency Management advises residents and visitors in campgrounds, recreational vehicles, travel trailers, live-aboard vessels, and mobile homes to prepare to seek shelter with friends or family in a safe structure through the duration of the storm.
Residents should have their homes, yards, and boats secured as significant weather impacts to the Florida Keys would most likely occur AFTER mid-afternoon Friday. Tropical Storm Watches may be issued for the Florida Keys later today.
According to the National Weather Service in Key West, potential impacts to the Florida Keys include:
• Heavy rainfall of 3 to 5 inches, with isolated maximum totals up to 8 inches through Sunday morning. There is a significant potential for street and poor drainage area flooding especially during the times of high tides in the pre-dawn hours Saturday and Sunday.
• Threat of tropical storm force winds, especially with frequent squalls, and very hazardous marine conditions.
• A couple tornadoes associated with rain bands Saturday and Saturday night.
• Very hazardous marine conditions, including heavy wave action and possible wave over-wash over docks and seawalls.
By Friday evening, please have your tropical storm preparedness activities completed, including:
• Get your yard and property ready. Trim your trees and hedges and cut shrubbery to reduce the risk of flying branches during high winds. Clean up debris.
• Bring inside all outdoor furniture if high winds are expected. Secure anything else that is not tied down. Secure trashcans and any items that were not picked up.
• Make sure you have materials and tools to put up your storm shutters if high winds are expected. Windows also can be protected with plywood. Tape can help with shattering, but is not a suggested protective measure.
• Boat owners should make sure their boats are secure, whether in the water or on a trailer on land.
Hurricane Kit: Put together a hurricane preparedness kit in case you lose power and/or water. The kit should include nonperishable food, water, batteries, candles, flashlight, battery-powered radio and lights, and a supply of medications. Don’t forget your pets, stock up on their food and medications, too.