My Teeth Chatter with Fear!

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT - NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE KEY WEST FL - 526 AM EST TUE JAN 1 2008
MONROE LOWER KEYS-MONROE MIDDLE KEYS-MONROE UPPER KEYS-
WEST END OF 7 MILE BRIDGE TO KEY WEST OUT 20 NM-
CRAIG KEY TO WEST END OF 7 MILE BRIDGE OUT 20 NM-
OCEAN REEF TO CRAIG KEY OUT 20 NM-
WEST END OF 7 MILE BRIDGE TO KEY WEST 20 TO 60 NM OUT-
CRAIG KEY TO WEST END OF 7 MILE BRIDGE 20 TO 60 NM OUT-
OCEAN REEF TO CRAIG KEY 20 TO 60 NM OUT-
KEY WEST TO 20 NM WEST OF DRY TORTUGAS-
GULF SIDE OF THE LOWER KEYS OUT 20 NM-FLORIDA BAY-
EAST CAPE SABLE TO CHOKOLOSKEE 20 TO 60 NM OUT-
...STRONG WINDS AND COLD TEMPERATURES TO IMPACT THE FLORIDA KEYS TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY...

A very strong cold front will sweep through the florida keys this evening. Behind the front winds will turn to north northwest then north...with speeds steadily increasing to near 25 mph with gusts over 30 mph by tonight.

The higher winds will also bring in much cooler air...with temperatures dropping into the 50s at most island locations overnight...barely climbing to near 60 on wednesday...and plunging into the mid to upper 40s at many locations wednesday night. North winds of 20 to 25 mph at that time will result in wind chills bottoming out in the upper 30s or lower 40s along most of the islands. The cooler air will persist on thursday with highs only in the lower 60s.

This will be by far the coldest air experienced in the florida keys so far this winter...and wednesday night may very well be the coldest night in the keys since january of 2003. Bundle up...and please protect pets and potted plants too. Secure lightweight outdoor objects from the strong winds.

Mariners...Plan for north winds of 25 to 30 knots with higher gusts beginning late this afternoon on waters northwest and west of the lower keys...And affecting all keys waters by early tonight...with winds in excess of 20 knots continuing at least through thursday night. Ensure your vessel is sufficiently moored for these winds.