Monroe County Emergency Management
Tropical Storm Fay - update August 18, 2008 -1 p.m.
Fay Visitor Evacuation Suspended;
Keys Getting Tropical Storm-Force Winds
Monroe County Emergency Management has suspended a visitor evacuation for Tropical Storm Fay, advising everyone to remain indoors and not travel on the Overseas Highway or other roads where driving conditions are hazardous due to strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Those from outside of the area, with plans to travel to the Keys during the next few days, must delay their trips until the storm passes and infrastructure assessments are completed.
There are several reports of freshwater flooding on portions of the Overseas Highway and area roads due to heavy rain.
“Keep in mind, in tropical storm winds, we cannot guarantee a response in an emergency situation,” said Monroe County Sheriff Rick Roth. “ So you choose to drive during dangerous winds, you may be on your own. Ambulance crews and firefighters may not be available either."
Tropical Storm Fay is affecting the Keys and sustained tropical storm-force winds (39 mph to 60 mph) are arriving in the Lower Keys and Key West now and in the Middle and Upper Keys later in the afternoon, according to the Key West National Weather Service office.
Weather conditions, according to meteorologists, should begin to improve Tuesday morning.
Florida Keys Marathon and Key West International Airports have suspended operations.
Monroe County’s Emergency Operations Center is fully activated. For Keys emergency-related questions call 1-800-955-5504.
###
Additional Resources:
Monroe County Emergency Information: (800) 955-5504
Keys Tourism Help Line: (800) 771-KEYS
Monroe County Situation Report: www.monroecounty-fl.gov
National Hurricane Center Web site: www.nhc.noaa.gov
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office: www.keysso.net
Keys Tourism Council: www.fla-keys.com
Contact: Becky Herrin, (305) 517-2481
Andy Newman, (305) 542-6014
| 
