Tropical Storm Warning Continues for Keys

Visitors and residents in the Florida Keys are advised to stay off the roads and the water late Thursday night and early Friday due to tropical storm-force winds from Hurricane Helene. 

The tropical cyclone strengthened into a major hurricane Thursday with its dangerous core staying away from the Florida Keys island chain. However, varying impacts are being felt across most of Florida due to sustained tropical storm-force winds (beginning at 39 mph) extending some 310 miles from the storm’s center, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Outer rain bands should affect the Florida Keys through early Friday, with a forecast of sustained winds of 30-35 mph with higher gusts at tropical storm-strength of at least 39 mph.

A tropical storm warning covers all of the Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas, and the entire east and southwest coasts of Florida, according to the NHC.

In addition, the Florida Keys National Weather Service Office has issued a coastal flood warning for all of the Florida Keys due to the potential of saltwater flooding from possible storm surge impacts of 1 to 3 feet. Significant rainfall at times is possible in passing squalls.

Both Key West International Airport and Florida Keys Marathon Airports are open, but passengers should check with their airlines prior to traveling to airports.

Monroe County Emergency Management Director Shannon Weiner urged residents and visitors to remain indoors until the storm moves away from the region, which is likely to be late Thursday night.

There have been a few power outages, but Keys utilities continue to restore service to those customers. No significant infrastructure impacts have been reported.

Weather conditions should begin to improve early Friday and through the weekend.