🚨 Evacuation
Mandatory island-wide evacuation for Cat 3+ via US-1
Monroe Emergency Management: 305-289-6018
🌀 City-specific profile
Key West Hurricane Readiness
A starting point for understanding wind, flood, surge, evacuation, and preparedness considerations in Key West, Monroe.
Design wind speed
180 mph
180 mph + open-ocean exposure — strictest envelope in the US
Max storm surge
Category 5
SLOSH-modeled worst case
High-risk flood
95%
of city land in FEMA AE/VE zones
Illustrative wind premium
$7,800
Illustrative planning value, not a quote
⚠️ Top threats for Key West
- Direct major-hurricane exposure (Irma 2017 Cat 4)
- Sole-route US-1 evacuation gridlock
- Salt-air corrosion + insurance scarcity
Notable storms in Key West history
- Hurricane Irma 2017 (Cat 4 lower Keys landfall)
- Hurricane Wilma 2005
🛠 Prep window (May 1 – June 1)
- Schedule a wind-mitigation inspection — discount renews every 5 years.
- Test and deploy hurricane shutters; lubricate tracks.
- Service generator + stock 7-10 days of stabilized fuel.
- Trim trees and palm fronds away from roof and power lines.
- Photograph home interior + exterior for insurance baseline.
- Confirm flood insurance is active (30-day waiting period).
Storm-prep professionals listed in Key West
Build your Key West storm-prep shortlist
Browse local listings for shutters, roofing, generators, wind-mitigation inspections, and tree service. Verify licenses, insurance, scope, and pricing before hiring.
Browse Key West professionals →City-specific planning profile. Confirm every property with FEMA, Monroe emergency management, the local evacuation-zone map, and an insurer. Flood maps, evacuation zones, insurance pricing, and public guidance can change.