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.
People Also Ask
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
It is true that Key West can be an expensive destination, but there are still many ways to enjoy the island on a budget by taking advantage of off-season rates, staying in budget-friendly accommodations, and seeking out free or low-cost activities.
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.
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.