Keys Officials Prepare for Isaac
Delta and Airtran add departures from Key West
Please download attached PDF for full advisory.
Keys officials continue to make preparations for Tropical Storm Isaac, which is expected to attain Category 1 hurricane status by Sunday.
In a Saturday morning briefing, Andrew Devanas, the science officer for the Key West National Weather Service, informed officials of the following:
• The center of Isaac is expected to pass over a point between Marathon and Key West sometime Sunday night. Hurricane force winds are anticipated to be in a relatively small area of the storm. Tropical storm-force winds are expected to extend outward up to 250 miles.
• Tropical storm-force winds are anticipated to begin early Sunday morning and continue through Monday morning. Weather conditions should begin to improve after noon Monday.
• Hurricane force winds are anticipated in a small area of the center of the storm, Sunday, about 10 p.m. and last four to six hours.
• Expect the possibility of coastal storm surge of two to four feet above mean sea level.
• Rainfall of six to 10 inches expected. Expect moderate flooding of secondary roads.
In other news, beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday, Snake Creek Draw Bridge in Islamorada, is to remain in the lowered position to accommodate vehicular traffic. High-profile boats will not be able to secure a bridge opening after 3 p.m.
Monroe County Airports Director Peter Horton reported that both Delta and AirTran are provide extra flight departures. Contact airlines directly to check on available seats. Some available rental cars remain in Key West and Marathon airports. The Key West International Airport is to cease operations after 7 p.m. Saturday, Horton said.
Another storm shelter is to open at Sugarloaf (Key) School, at mile marker 19, at 2 pm. Saturday.
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