Tropical Storm Elsa Update

MESSAGE FROM MARATHON CITY MANAGER GEORGE GARRETT:

Tropical Storm Elsa will arrive in the Middle Keys tonight, July 5, after sunset, with the worst weather closer to midnight. 

As of 5 p.m., Tropical Storm Elsa had winds of 50 mph as it crossed over Cuba and is located approximately 130 miles south of Key West. The storm’s track will take it closer to the Dry Tortugas than Key West. Although the storm may reorganize as it emerges off Cuba and into the Straits of Florida, there is no expectation of rapid intensification. 

Marathon City Hall will be closed until noon on Tuesday, July 6. City of Marathon beaches and parks are closed and will not reopen until after the storm has passed. Monroe County School District has closed schools and facilities from Marathon south. Regular trash pick up in Marathon scheduled for Tuesday, July 6, will be on Wednesday, July 7 and regular Wednesday pick up will be on Thursday, July 8.

Keys officials are expecting squalls, rather than sustained winds in the Middle Keys. Squalls are bands of fast moving weather with potentially dangerous winds and heavy rain that could bring down trees or limbs, affecting communications and utilities in some neighborhoods.

Vulnerable residents and visitors — in mobile homes, RVs, low-lying areas and liveaboards — have been advised to shelter in place in a safe structure.