Tropical Storm Warning in Effect for Florida Keys

The National Hurricane Center is continuing a tropical storm warning for the Florida Keys.

Sustained low-range tropical storm-force winds between 39 mph and 55 mph are anticipated in the Keys Wednesday. Wind gusts in squalls could peak as high as 65 mph.

The Florida Keys National Weather Service Office has issued a coastal flood warning for the potential of coastal saltwater flooding between 1 and 3 feet above ground level in low-lying areas of the Keys. Coastal saltwater flooding on the Bay and Gulf sides of the island chain is possible from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon.

The forecasted conditions require visitors and residents to be extremely cautious and remain indoors as the storm passes through the area until weather improves — but there are no general resident or visitor evacuation directives in effect, according to Monroe County Emergency Management Director Shannon Weiner. 

On the current forecast track, the dangerous center of Hurricane Milton is projected to pass north of the Keys on Wednesday, but officials are anticipating outer rainbands from the storm to affect the island chain Wednesday into Thursday morning.

Weiner said visitors should prioritize monitoring Milton’s progress and remain indoors until hazardous weather conditions move away from the area. Key West International and Florida Keys Marathon airports are not planning to close, according to airports director Richard Strickland. However, passengers with reservations should check with airlines prior to traveling to the airport to verify flight status.

National Hurricane Center: nhc.noaa.gov

Florida Keys National Weather Service: weather.gov/key/