The Wandering Paddler

04/11/2024

Let’s keep moving forward.
Vote 🗳️ if you haven’t already.
Then get outside and enjoy our planet. 🌎 🩵🌴
You’ll feel better after both.


〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
Paddleboard rentals & eco-tours of Big Pine Key & the Lower Florida Keys
wanderingpaddler.com
603-380-5077

31/10/2024

Incredible work being done at to restore & strengthen the resilience of the 🪸 on the crucial reef of the Florida Keys. Help them by donating, volunteering, voting, and doing your part to combat climate change.
🦀🐠♻️🌱🪸🌴🩵

23/10/2024

🗳️ Hey everyone, go vote! 🗳️
Early voting if your state allows, otherwise, make a plan & encourage your friends & family to get to the polls on Nov. 5. 🇺🇸

16/10/2024

Sunsets get all the hype, but on any given day in the Florida Keys, the sky is spectacular 🤩


〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
Paddleboard rentals & eco-tours of Big Pine Key & the Lower Florida Keys
wanderingpaddler.com
603-380-5077

12/10/2024

You can now apply for FEMA disaster assistance if you live in counties impacted by Milton. Log into DisasterAssistance.gov Please share and let everyone know.

12/10/2024

Please share this information!!
If you need to report damage, find clean-up help and more, we've got you covered. Full list >> https://wfts.tv/4h4K77o

09/10/2024

6 PM EDT 10/8/2024 Update on Hurricane Milton Impacts for the Florida Keys

Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for all of the Florida Keys from Ocean Reef to Key West
Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch remains in effect for the Dry Tortugas
Coastal Flood Warning remains in effect for all of the Florida Keys

Potential impacts to the Florida Keys from Hurricane Milton include:
🔹 Storm Surge flooding, with saltwater flooding of 1 to 3 feet above ground level in low elevation areas on the Gulf and Bayside from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning, possibly into Thursday evening on the Bayside of the Upper Keys. Atlantic-facing shorelines will be susceptible to crashing waves and overwash, leading to saltwater flooding in the adjacent neighborhoods.
🔹 Potential (about 1 in 3 chance) for sustained tropical storm-force winds of 40 to 50 mph. Tropical storm-force winds could arrive as early as Wednesday morning, but will most likely arrive Wednesday afternoon. Tropical storm-force winds could linger into Thursday morning. Thundery squalls with localized wind gusts of 55 to 65 mph late tonight through Thursday morning. Potential for isolated tornadoes from late tonight through Wednesday night.
🔹 Additional rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with locally higher amounts, are possible through Thursday morning. Flooding of low-elevation streets and poor drainage areas will be possible in areas impacted by heavy downpours.

Residents and visitors in the Florida Keys should closely monitor the progress of Hurricane Milton. Protective actions to secure loose outdoor objects from strong wind gusts and protect against saltwater flooding should be completed this evening.

08/10/2024

11 AM TUESDAY FLORIDA KEYS MILTON UPDATE - NO EVACUATIONS OR EMERGENCY ORDERS IN THE KEYS AT THIS TIME

Hurricane Milton will move northeastward across the Gulf of Mexico today and tonight, approach the west coast of Florida on Wednesday - and make landfall in Florida Wednesday night, the US National Weather Service Key West said Tuesday morning.

Milton is currently a Category 4 hurricane and expected to remain an extremely dangerous hurricane through landfall in Florida.

TROPICAL STORM WARNING remains in effect for all of the Florida Keys from Ocean Reef to Key West.

COASTAL FLOOD WARNING remains in effect for all of the Florida Keys.

NO EVACUATION FOR THE IKEYS - or expected - at this time

CLOSINGS/STILL OPEN:

Monroe County schools will be closed on Wednesday.

Monroe County government offices will be closed on Wednesday.

Airports are open - but check airlines for delays and cancelations.

The School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday evening, and decisions for Thursday will be made on Wednesday.

Snake Creek drawbridge is in the locked down position and will not open for boat traffic.

All 11 state parks in Monroe County are closed today and Wednesday.

Solid Waste: No collection service in the Lower Keys and Key West (7 Mile Bridge South). Collection service in Middle and Upper Keys, no changes at this time.

Bus schedules: Key West Transit and the Lower Keys Shuttle will suspend service Wednesday and Thursday.

Conch Connect will suspend service Wednesday

A Hurricane Watch remains in effect for the Dry Tortugas.

Potential impacts to the Florida Keys from Hurricane Milton include:

Storm Surge flooding, with saltwater flooding of 1 to 3 feet above ground level in low elevation areas on the Gulf and Bayside from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon, possibly into Thursday evening on the Bay side of the Upper Keys.

Atlantic-facing shorelines will be susceptible to crashing waves and overwash, leading to saltwater flooding in the adjacent neighborhoods.

Potential - a 2 in 5 chance - for sustained tropical storm-force winds of 40 to 50 mph, which could arrive as early as late tonight, but will most likely arrive Wednesday morning to midday.

Tropical storm-force winds could linger into Thursday morning.

Thundery squalls with localized wind gusts of 55 to 65 mph tonight through Thursday morning.

Potential for isolated tornadoes from late tonight through Wednesday and into Wednesday night.

Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are likely through Wednesday night. Flooding of low elevation streets and poor drainage areas will be possible in areas impacted by heavy downpours.

Residents and visitors in the Florida Keys should closely monitor the progress of Hurricane Milton.

Protective actions to secure loose outdoor objects from strong wind gusts and protect against saltwater flooding should be completed by this evening.

National Weather Service Key West Briefings: www.weather.gov/media/key/DSS/dssbrief_land.pdf
National Weather Service Key West Marine Briefings:www.weather.gov/media/key/DSS/dssbrief_marine.pdf

08/10/2024

07/10/2024

For those wanting a great hurricane list, here ya go. Please share! Here's what my family does. Hopefully, we won't need all this but better safe than sorry. And remember, shelters are also an option. They fill up quickly in a big storm and some don't allow pets. Keep that in mind if you're in harms way!

1. Charge any device that provides light. Laptops, tablets, cameras, video cameras, and old phones. Old cell phones can still used for dialing 911. Charge external battery backups. ( Glow sticks also provide light for a few hours. Stand them upright in a glass or jar to make a lantern.)
2. Wash all trash cans, big and small, and fill them with water for flushing toilets. Line outdoor trash cans with trash bags, fill them with water and store them in the garage. Add bleach to sterilize.
3. Fill every tub and sink with water. Cover sinks with Saran Wrap to keep it from collecting dust. Fill the washing machine and leave the lid up to store water.
4. Fill old empty water bottles and other containers with water and keep them near sinks for washing hands.
5. Fill every Tupperware with water and store it in the freezer. These will help keep food cold longer and serve as a backup water supply.
6. Fill drinking cups with water and cover with Saran Wrap. Store as many as possible in the fridge. You can store the rest on the counter and use it before opening any water bottles. Ice is impossible to find after the storm.
7. Reserve fridge space for storing tap water and keep the sealed water bottles on the counter.
8. Cook any meats in advance and other perishable foods. You can freeze cooked food. Hard boil eggs for snacks for the first day without power.
9. Be well hydrated before the storm hits and avoid salty foods that make you dehydrated.
10. Wash all dirty clothes and bed sheets. Anything dirty will smell without the A/C, you may need the items, and with no A/C, you'll be sweating a lot. You're going to want clean sheets.
11. Toss out any expired food, clean cat litter boxes, and empty all trash cans in the house, including bathrooms. Remove anything that will cause an odor when the A/C is off. If you don't have a trash day pickup before the storm, find a dumpster.
12. Bring in any yard decor, secure anything that will fly around, secure gates, bring in hoses, potted plants, etc. Bring in patio furniture and grills.
13. Clean your environment so you have clear, easy escape routes. Even if that means temporarily moving furniture to one area.
14. Scrub all bathrooms so you are starting with a clean odor-free environment. Store water-filled trash cans next to each toilet for flushing.
15. Place everything you own that is important and necessary in a backpack or small file box that is easy to grab. Include your wallet with ID, phone, hand sanitizer, snacks, etc. Get plastic sleeves for important documents.
16. Make sure you have cash on hand.
17. Stock up on pet food and fill up bowls of water for pets.
18. Refill any medications. Most insurance companies allow for 2 emergency refills per year.
19. Fill your propane tanks. You can heat soup cans, boil water, make coffee, and other stuff besides just grilling meat. Get an extra, if possible.
20. Drop your A/C in advance and lower temperatures in your fridges.
21. Gather all candles, flashlights, lighters, matches, batteries, and other items and keep them accessible.
22. Clean all counters in advance. Start with a clean surface. Buy Clorox Wipes for cleaning when there is no power. Mop your floors and vacuum. If power is out for 10 days, you'll have to live in the mess you started with.
23. Pick your emergency safe place such as a closet under the stairs. Store the items you'll need in that location for the brunt of the storm. Make a hand fan for when the power is out.
24. Shower just before the storm is scheduled to hit.
25. Keep baby wipes next to each toilet. Don't flush them. It's not the time to risk clogging your toilet!
26. Run your dishwasher, don't risk having dirty smelly dishes and you need every container for water! Remember you'll need clean water for brushing your teeth, washing yourself, and cleaning your hands.
27. Put a small suitcase in your car in case you decide to evacuate. Also, put at least one jug of water in your car. It will still be there if you don't evacuate! Remember to pack for pets as well.
28. Check on all family members, set up emergency backup plans, and check on elderly neighbors.
29. Remember, pets are family too. Take them with you!
30. Before the storm, unplug all electronics. There will be power surges during and after the storm.
31. Gas up your car and have a spare gas container for your generator or your car when you run out.
32 . Use plastic cups and paper plates. 👍 You need water to wash dishes....👎
33 . Also if you run out of water tap your hot water heater it can have up to 30 gallons stored in there.
34 . Put water in balloons and store it in the freezer.
35 . If it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown Flush it down!💩
If you can, take a video of your house and contents....walk room to room--open cabinets/drawers and closets. This will help if you need to make a claim later. It will show proof of items and help you list all the items (help your memory, so you don't forget anything)...I highly recommend it!!!
I also heard you should freeze a cup of water, and place a coin on top after it is frozen...keep this in your freezer to help you gauge the temperature if the power goes out. If the coin stays on top, the food is staying frozen. If the coin falls into the water, the freezer thawed out and most food will likely need to be thrown away. This is super helpful is you have to leave and come back, as it may appear everything is still frozen, but if the coin is in the cup--you will know!!
Rule #7 And for those asking, that means "Don't freak out unless I'm freaking out..we're fine". Whatever comes our way, we've got this as long as we stay informed and prepared.

07/10/2024

The City of Key West is providing sand at Boog Powell Court off 14th Street at the ballfields. Members of the community concerned about possible flooding are urged to help themselves, but you’ll need to provide your own bags. Shovels are at the site, but you must fill your own bags.
The National Weather Service Key West has warned of possible heavy rains and potential storm surge, which could flood low lying areas beginning Wednesday.

07/10/2024

Monday morning update

07/10/2024

Monday morning update

***OUTDATED***

Watches have been issued for the :

Hurricane Watch: Dry Tortugas
Tropical Storm Watch: All of the Keys
Coastal Flood Watch: All of the Keys

Visit: hurricanes.gov for the latest updates on Hurricane Milton

06/10/2024

***OUTDATED***

5 PM EDT Update from the National Hurricane Center on Hurricane Milton.

Location: 22.4N, 93.8W, or about 805 miles WSW of Tampa, FL
Winds: 85 mph with higher gusts
Pressure: 983 mb or 29.03 inches
Movement: east at 7 mph

Visit hurricanes.gov for the latest details.

Impacts for the Florida Keys have not changed much at this time, see earlier posts for what to expect. Another update will be coming out this evening.

The latest forecast information for the Keys is also available at weather.gov/keywest

06/10/2024

***OUTDATED***

Update to Hurricane Milton potential impacts for the Florida Keys, as of 6 PM EDT, October 6th, 2024.

Main changes are that we expecting storm surge flooding details to be available Monday morning (we know you're waiting for them!) and it's looking like higher rainfall totals are possible. We're now expecting 5-10" across the island chain, with some areas receiving up to 15". A significant portion of these rainfall totals are expected well ahead of Milton's closest point of approach to the Keys on Tuesday evening.

COASTAL / SALTWATER FLOODING:
♦ Gulf/Bayside locations, early Wednesday morning through Thursday
♦ Atlantic-facing shorelines susceptible to overwash
♦ Storm Surge flooding details will become available Monday morning

TROPICAL-STORM-FORCE WINDS & SQUALLS:
♦ 50% chance for tropical-storm-force winds, winds could arrive as early as Tue. afternoon, most likely early Wed. AM
♦ Several thundery squalls with localized gusts 55-65 mph, Tuesday night through Wednesday

FLOODING RAINS:
♦ 5-10” possible, isolated locations as much as 15”
♦ Significant portion will be in advance of Milton’s approach Tue. evening
♦ Flooding of low-elevation streets and poor drainage areas is likely

For the latest forecast information, visit our website at weather.gov/keywest.

06/10/2024

Florida officials are preparing for the largest storm evacuation in years, as most counties are issued a state of emergency. Milton was about 800 miles off of Florida's west coast on Sunday afternoon.