Tropical Disturbance Expected to Remain Weak When Reaches the Florida Keys
MARATHON – The tropical disturbance that is now 520 miles east-southeast of Key West remains weak and disorganized. It is not expected to develop into a tropical cyclone by the time it reaches the Keys, according to the National Weather Service in Key West.
“This is very good news,” Monroe County Emergency Management Director Martin Senterfitt said.
Impacts of the tropical disturbance will be felt in the Keys on Sunday and Monday. It is expected to bring periods of heavy rainfall, with the possibility of 2 to 4 inches. Sustained winds are expected of less than 25 mph, although gusts of up to 40 mph are possible during thunderstorms.
The tropical disturbance is moving west-northwest at 15 mph. The probabilities of development have decreased since Thursday. Now, the probabilities of it developing into a tropical cyclone are 20 percent in the next 48 hours and 60 percent in the next five days.
Coastal flooding is not expected.
Monroe County government will be open for business Monday, unless the disturbance unexpectedly intensifies, Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi said.