Public schools in the Florida Keys will be closed Wednesday in anticipation of Tropical Storm Rafael moving through the island chain, Monroe County officials said.
The storm’s approach is expected to remain about 115 miles southwest of Key West late Wednesday evening, Jon Rizzo, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service Key West, told the Herald.
Nevertheless, Key West, the Lower Keys, the Middle Keys and the Dry Tortugas – as well as the island chain’s surrounding waters – are under a tropical storm warning as of Tuesday morning, meaning tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.
Monroe County Emergency Management issued a statement Tuesday warning of possible oceanfront flooding in parts of the Keys Wednesday evening, with water levels possibly up to a foot higher than the recent high tide.
According to the county, there is a possibility of sustained tropical storm force winds of 55 mph or higher from Key West to the city of Marathon in the Middle Florida Keys. The high winds could come as early as Wednesday morning, but are more likely around noon, officials said.
County officials also warned Wednesday of a small risk of severe thunderstorms across the Lower and Middle Keys, including some tornadoes. According to the province’s statement, thunderous showers could produce local wind gusts of between 80 and 100 kilometers per hour.
Total rainfall from Rafael is expected to be between 2 and 3 inches and will cause street flooding in areas with poor drainage.
