Tropical Storm Idalia

  • LAST UPDATED: August 30, 8 AM
  • NEXT UPDATE: None

The City of Key West uses information gathered during Monroe County Joint Information Center (JIC) county coordination calls.  It includes emergency preparation activities from Monroe County, Florida Keys municipalities, National Weather Service - Key West, and community partners. 

THERE ARE NO EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE ACTIONS IN PLACE AT THIS TIME.


Monroe County Emergency Management is coordinating with the National Weather Service – Key West to advise residents on specific details of Tropical Storm Idalia's impacts on the Florida Keys.  Monroe County and its partners activated the Monroe County Joint Information Center this afternoon; updates can be found at www.monroecountyem.com/jic.

At this time, with the current forecast, we are encouraging residents to be smart. We plan to keep operations as normal as possible but please be safe if squalls are coming through, said Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi. The guiding principle is to be smart and be safe.

  • The City of Key West and Monroe County Government offices are open on Tuesdays. 
  • Monroe County schools are continuing to monitor and will be open on Tuesday.
  • Key West International Airport is open.
  • Garbage service will run as normal.
  • The National Park Service has closed Ft. Zach to campers and visitors. 
  • Keys Energy is standing by to respond to any outages, if any. 

National Weather Service Key West Update

Do Not Focus Solely on the Cone - Potential Impacts Can Fall Well Outside the Cone!

A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the Dry Tortugas.  A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for the Lower Florida Keys, from the west end of the 7 Mile Bridge through Key West.  

Occasional thundery squalls, strong tropical storm force wind gusts, and poor visibility in heavy downpours.  With unsecured lightweight outdoor items blown about, some tree and utility line damage may occur.  The highest threat for squalls over the Lower Keys and waters to the west from early morning Tuesday through Wednesday. A tornado or two cannot be ruled out, especially during Tuesday afternoon.

A Coastal Flood Warning is now in effect for the Lower Florida Keys, with a Coastal Flood Advisory now in effect for the Middle Florida Keys.

Coastal flooding up to 2 feet above average high tide (ground level at the immediate coastline) along the ocean-facing side of the Lower and Middle Keys, with a few oceanside locations in Key West possibly reaching 2.5 feet above average high tide.  Coastal flooding near 1 foot above average high tide is possible along the ocean-facing side of the Upper Keys.

Tropical Storm Idalia contains maximum sustained winds near 70 mph and is expected to move over the extreme southeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Tuesday and reach the Gulf coast of Florida on Wednesday as a dangerous major hurricane. 

Florida Keys residents and visitors should finalize any preparations this evening, including securing loose outdoor objects from being blown about this evening and protecting property in low-elevation areas prone to coastal flooding, especially in the Lower Florida Keys.  Plan for water levels to possibly reach 12 to 18 inches higher than high tide.  

Please monitor future forecasts and briefings extremely closely.  Review your tropical cyclone preparedness plans and ensure your emergency supply kit is well-stocked.

Airports

The airport is open.

Government Office Closures

None announced at this time.

Bus Services

Key West Transit

  • In advance of possible localized flooding from Tropical Storm Idalia, the City of Key West is adjusting bus service in the community on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 29-30.  The Lower Keys Shuttle, Workforce Express, and the Key West Rides transit service will modify their service to avoid streets that typically flood.  Since the Duval Loop route mainly encompasses areas that are subject to flooding, all services will be suspended. 

    The modifications are as listed:  

    Lower Keys Shuttle Normal Hours 5:30 AM to 10 PM  Detours – (Inbound into Key West) Normal route until you reach Palm Ave.  The bus will instead continue on North Roosevelt Blvd. to Truman Ave., making a right onto Simonton St., then making a left onto Caroline St. resuming the normal route.  

    Work Force Express – Normal Hours 6 AM to 10 AM, then 3:40 PM to 8:30 PM (Inbound into Key West) Normal route until you are northbound on Whitehead St.  Instead of entering Bahama Village at Petronia Street, the bus will make a right turn on Angela Street, then make a right turn onto Simonton St proceeding to Truman Ave and make a left turn to resume the normal route.

    Key West Rides – Normal Hours 6 AM to 8 PM Normal service; however, pick-up and drop-off stops will be adjusted to avoid flooded streets. 

    Duval Loop – ALL SERVICE SUSPENDED

    The City of Key West is in a heightened state of monitoring as we remain under a tropical storm watch.  Tropical Storm Idalia may further disrupt normal transit bus service operations. 

Evacuation Order

There are no evacuation orders in place for residents or visitors.

Garbage Service

Regular service at this time. 

Waste Management has informed the City of Key West that operations will run as normal in Key West on Tuesday unless the weather becomes unsafe.

Please do not put bulk items on the right of way.  Once the weather has passed, call for a pickup before placing bulk items outside.

Operations for Wednesday will be determined on Tuesday.

  • Lower Keys – Waste Management of Florida (Key West) 305-296-8297

Hospitals and Trauma Star

Lower Keys Medical Center: normal operations

Trauma Star - normal operations

Emergency services (police and fire) are fully operational.

Schools

At this time, there have been no announcements of closures.

Monroe County School District

Any changes can be found on the school board's website and social media. 

College of the Florida Keys

Shelter Locations

At this time, there have been no announcements on shelter openings. 

State Parks

Re-entry Stickers

More information: www.monroecountyem.com/reentrystickers.