Monroe County Emergency Management
Tropical Storm Fay - Update, August 18, 2008 - 11 a.m.
Tropical Storm Fay is continuing its progress to the Florida Keys and sustained tropical storm-force winds (39 mph to 60 mph) are anticipated to arrive in the Lower Keys and Key West prior to noon and in the Middle and Upper Keys a few hours later, according to the Key West National Weather Service office.
Monroe County Sheriff Rick Roth reports traffic on the Overseas Highway is light and does not anticipate closing the road during the storm.
However, he cautions people to not travel on the road and to remain indoors throughout the duration of the storm.
"Keep in mind, once tropical storm winds arrive we cannot guarantee a response in an emergency situation so if you choose to drive during dangerous winds, you may be on your own," Roth said. "Ambulance crews and firefighters may not be available either."
Some Keys Fay updates:
• Florida Keys Marathon and Key West International Airports closed at 10 a.m. Monday.
• Garbage pickup will continue until the arrival of tropical storm-force winds made working conditions unsafe.
• Courts are closed Monday and Tuesday.
• Monroe County office, including the Sheriff’s Office, are closed Monday and Tuesday.
• A decision on whether to hold Wednesday’s scheduled Monroe County Commission meeting will be made and announced prior to Wednesday.
• Monroe County schools and Florida Keys Community College are closed Monday and Tuesday.
• Monroe County Emergency Management official report a total of 126 people that are in county shelters.
• Most in-county and city bus services have been suspended.
• Hospitals remain open, but elective medical procedures have been postponed.
• Monroe County’s Emergency Operations Center is fully activated. For Keys emergency-related questions call 1-800-955-5504.
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Additional Resources:
Monroe County Emergency Information: (800) 955-5504
Keys Tourism Help Line: (800) 771-KEYS
Contact: Becky Herrin, (305) 517-2481
Andy Newman, (305) 542-6014
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