Tropical Weather Resources
Sep 9, 2008 1:01 pm US/Eastern
Tropical Storm Force Gusts Are Buffeting The Keys
Monroe County School officials said classes will remain cancelled for Wednesday and resume them on Thursday
KEY WEST (CBS4) ―
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Storm surge off Key West's Duval Street as Hurricane Ike passes by on Tuesday Sept. 9, 2008.
CBS
Key West and the Florida Keys may have dodged a bullet when it comes to Hurricane Ike but the storm surge associated with Ike is still roaring ashore in Key West and the weather still isn't safe to go outside.
Monroe County School officials said classes will remain cancelled for Wednesday and resume them on Thursday.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office says weather conditions are making it dangerous to be outside in some areas of the Keys.
The Sheriff's Office recommends people stay inside and wait until storm conditions pass. It is not safe to drive in current conditions, and flying debris and possible downed power lines make it dangerous to walk around outside as well.
Though that did not deter Key West resident Kevin Hoyes from watching nature's fury and the ocean's violent behavior, remarking that "it's pretty impressive".
Deputies are reporting debris and water on the roadway at the 75 mile marker of U.S. One, Sea Oats Beach.
Water and debris is also reported in the area of South Roosevelt Boulevard in Key West and a tree was reported down on Grassy Key, on Guava Avenue.
Overall, residents are relieved that Ike turned west and a hurricane watch for the island chain was discontinued Monday. Ike is still supposed to deliver heavy rain and wind to the islands and authorities suggested residents who had left stay away until Wednesday.
The storm surge was also clearly evidence Tuesday morning.
CBS4 Reporter Jorge Estevez, covering the storm in Key West, witnessed the storm surge at the end of Duval Street, where large waves were flooding the street with 2- to 3- feet of water.
One local man named John told Estevez that this storm surge is worse than Tropical Storm Fay but not quite as bad as Hurricane Wilma.
Many storm-hardened locals just rode out the storm the way they usually do, drinking. Key West residents are a hardy bunch, generations of whom have lived through storms. They typically take a wait-and-see stance.
Cody Young said, "Every time I get a conch shell from a hurricane, I write down which hurricane it was."
"Us folks have lived here for years. We worry but we always think it will be okay," said 80-year-old Barbara Kellner while walking her dog. "And we see the weather report today, and it appears it all will be OK."
Businesses were not as cavalier. It was the second time in a month vacationers left en masse. Tourists also cleared out of the Keys last month ahead of Tropical Storm Fay, and their departure means a hit to the bottom line. Officials estimate tourists spend about $175 a day in the Keys. With some 20,000 having fled for Ike, that's about $3.5 million for each day they're gone.
"I think they called the guns out a little too soon. They killed business," said Deborah Dietrich, the manager of a nearly empty bakery. "Whether we have hurricane ruin or not, there's financial ruin."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Tracking Ike - 11 AM Advisory
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