BREAKING WEATHER ALERT: Strong Cold Front To Bring Gale-Like Winds, Hazardous Seas To Florida Keys Sunday Night
Small Craft Advisories expected through Tuesday as temperatures plunge.
A strong cold front moving through the Florida Keys Sunday night is expected to bring sustained northwest winds of 25 to 30 knots, gusts approaching 35 knots and hazardous marine conditions that could persist into Tuesday, forecasters said.
The National Weather Service in Key West warned that a potent Nor’easter forming off the mid-Atlantic will drive a weakening line of showers through the island chain Sunday evening before a sharp wind shift ushers in much stronger northwest breezes overnight.
Small Craft Advisory conditions are expected to develop Sunday evening and continue through at least Tuesday morning across much of the Keys. Forecasters said winds will strengthen quickly behind the front, peaking after midnight for most locations.
Advisory conditions are expected to arrive first in the Lower Keys between about 7 and 9 p.m. Sunday, followed by the Middle Keys between 8 and 10 p.m., and the Upper Keys between 9 and 11 p.m.
Marine conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly, with significant wave heights of 3 to 4 feet at the reef and choppy, confused seas lingering into Tuesday afternoon even after winds begin to ease.
Forecasters cautioned that the sudden drop in temperatures following recent mild weather could be notable, with near-record lows possible at some island locations.
In addition, temperatures could effect invasive green iguanas, which health officials say could pose a risk to dogs and other pets that may discover them on the ground due to salmonella and other bacteria associated with the reptiles.
Boaters and residents who rely on dinghies to reach mooring fields or anchored vessels — including in areas such as Key West Bight and Boot Key Harbor — are being urged to plan travel carefully. Winds of this magnitude can overturn small craft, officials said, and life jackets are strongly recommended.
Local officials have not announced closures but say mariners, charter operators and waterfront commuters should monitor conditions closely as the front approaches.