Hurricane Irene Makes Turn, Now Moving Northwest
Hurricane Irene is now moving to the northwest, at 12 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center’s Wednesday 11 a.m. advisory.
Continued turning to the north-northwest and north are expected Thursday and Thursday night, the NHC said.
The hurricane center also moved the storm’s future track more to the right, which provides even further separation from the storm’s path and the Florida Keys and Florida. It also provides encouragement for interests in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S.
Off the Keys and Florida’s Atlantic coastline, marine interest can expect windier conditions and choppier seas because of the storm’s presence far to the east of the island chain.
The Key West National Weather Service Office -- that serves the entire Florida Keys -- is counseling boaters in the region to exercise caution beginning Wednesday evening through Friday. Forecasters added that a small craft advisory will likely be required Wednesday night through Friday for Atlantic waters off the Upper Keys.
A complete local forecast can be found at: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/key.
There are no tropical cyclone watches or warnings in effect or anticipated for the Keys.
Online
Key West National Weather Office: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/key/
National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/