What was the last hurricane to hit the Florida Keys?
What was the last hurricane to hit the Florida Keys? Hurricane Irma struck the Florida Keys on Sept. 10, 2017 as a category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 132 mph and storm surge up to 8 feet in the hardest-hit areas in the Lower and Middle Keys. Due to the linear geography of the island chain, some parts of the Keys were hit harder than others.
When was the last hurricane to hit Florida Keys?
Hurricane Irma struck the Florida Keys on Sept. 10, 2017 as a category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 132 mph and storm surge up to 8 feet in the hardest-hit areas in the Lower and Middle Keys.
Can you drink tap water in Key West?
The FKAA treated water is pumped 130 miles from Florida City to Key West, supplying water to the entire Florida Keys. The water provided to customers in the Florida Keys is continuously monitored and tested to ensure the water quality is consistent, safe, and meets all federal and state drinking water standards.
Can I wear jeans in Key West?
Pack a light fleece jacket, hoodie, or comfy cardigan for evening dockside drinking. Jeans, leggings, joggers, or lightweight active pants are also practical. They can be easily cuffed during the day and let down when the night chills begin.
How often does Key West get hit by hurricanes?
Key West, like Miami, has a 16 percent chance of being impacted by a hurricane during any Atlantic hurricane season. Known as the Southernmost City in the Continental United States, Key West is directly impacted by a hurricane every 6.04 years, according to Hurricane City.
When was the last hurricane in Florida 2023?
Idalia made landfall at Keaton Beach in Florida's Big Bend area (wind speeds around 125 mph) as a Category 3 hurricane on Aug. 30, after briefly undergoing a rapid intensification to a Category 4 storm overnight. This area had not been hit by a strong storm in 125 years.
What was the worst hurricane to hit the Keys?
On September 2, 1935, Labor Day, the hurricane reached a peak intensity of 892 mb. The hurricane made landfall later that night as a Category 5 storm, crossing the Florida Keys between Key West and Miami, FL. As it made landfall, the hurricane delivered maximum sustained winds of approximately 298 km/h (185 mph).
Are the Keys safe from hurricanes?
The area has a 16 percent chance of being hit by a hurricane or tropical storm. The first hurricane recorded as most likely hitting Key West took place in 1557. In 1588, Havana was recorded as being struck by a worse storm than the first.
What months to avoid in the Florida Keys?
Florida summers are generally very hot and humid with daily highs often reaching the mid-30s (90+°F). The wet season is from June to November. It's particularly hot and muggy down south from mid-August to mid-October, and there's also a risk of hurricanes. The dry season is from December to May.
Is it safe to walk around Key West at night?
The crime rate in the Florida Keys is low, but you should still use common sense when exploring Key West, especially at night and around hectic Duval Street and Mallory Square. Exercise caution when going into the water as well; be sure to heed all flags and warnings from authorities.
Are the Keys safe during a hurricane?
Visitors are asked to leave the Keys during any category storm while residents are mandated to leave during a severe hurricane of Category 3 or higher.
When not to visit Key West?
August is the hottest month in Key West, with average temperatures ranging from an average high of 91 to a low of 81 degrees. The humidity is also quite high, with plenty of rainfall. For those sensitivy to humidity and weary of rain, August is probably the worst time to visit Key West.