Storm Update

TROPICAL STORM WATCH CONTINUES

Sunday, July 4th 

The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Watch notice for parts of the Florida Keys including the Middle Keys and Marathon. The winds are expected to arrive between 3 and 5 p.m. tomorrow, July 5. The watch is expected to be upgraded to a warning later today.

Sustained winds of 60 mph or less are forecast in the Keys for Tropical Storm Elsa. However, there will be many “squalls” — or bands of weather with high and damaging winds that could bring down trees, limbs and affect communications or utilities in select neighborhoods. Coastal flooding is expected to be 1 to 2 feet and rainfall between 1 and 2 inches, however localized flooding could be higher in some neighborhoods.

Currently, Tropical Storm Elsa has 65 mph winds and a forward speed of 13 mph. It is located off the eastern tip of Jamaica. Because the storm has slowed, its affects in the Keys will continue through much of Tuesday, July 6, with isolated and stormy weather. Municipalities, the county, and the school district have yet to make a formal announcement on closing facilities on July 6.

The forecast for Fourth of July is good and activities are underway. There is less than a 10 percent chance of rain and winds are out of the northeast at about 10 mph. However, after midnight, winds will pick up. A small craft advisory is likely tonight or tomorrow morning.  

The county is calling residents on its special needs registry. The county is urging residents in low-lying areas, mobile homes, RVs and liveaboard boaters to relocate to a safe structure on Monday, July 5. Marathon’s beaches — Sombrero Beach and Coco Plum — will be closed on Monday, July 5. 

Please continue to monitor the City of Marathon and Monroe County websites, and the city’s social media.  For the latest from the Keys Weekly, visit www.keysweekly.com.