Monroe County Office of Emergency Management
Tropical Storm Fay update - August 18th, 2008 - 3:45 p.m.
According to reports from the weather service offices in Key West, the Lower Keys should begin to see the weather improve now that the eye of Tropical Storm Fay is passing by. This will be followed by improving conditions progressing up the Keys to Marathon, and then the upper Keys. There are reports of an estimated 1 - 3 inches of rain so far, with the possibility of a couple of more inches in some areas. People should still remain inside and not drive around on the roadways. There is deep standing water in many areas, and still the possibility of heavy rain and wind from passing bands of weather.
We have reports of deep standing water on the Avenues in Big Pine Key, at Cross Street and at Maloney Avenue on Stock Island and at the 4.5 mile marker of the highway. There are also unconfirmed reports of flooding on the 18 mile stretch. Deputies are en route to check these reports.
Very few are without power, with only a few hundred customers reported in Key West.
A tornado is believed to have touched down on 4th Street on Big Coppitt Key. Deputies say a tree is down and vegetation is blocking the road, so they have not been able to tell if any structures are damaged.
Monroe County fire/rescue reports they have been able to respond to all calls that have come in for their assistance.
Sheriff's Office dispatchers report the Sheriff's Office has also been able to send deputies to all calls where their response was required.
As soon as possible, damage assessment teams will be out in the field to determine where clean up crews need to respond and to see where roads are blocked and if any structures have been damaged.
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