Strong winds and cold snap knocked local limbs, threatened power

On Thursday, Jan. 14, Monroe County faced a stretch of strong west to northwest winds that sustained 25 to 30 mph and produced brief squalls with gusts near 45 mph. The gusty conditions raised the likelihood of small tree limbs falling and prompted concerns about localized power outages and short-term travel hazards during heavy downpours.

The stronger winds began in the early to mid-afternoon and continued into the early evening, with bands of rain reducing visibility and producing the highest gusts. Residents were advised to use Thursday morning to secure loose, lightweight yard items and any remaining outdoor holiday decorations to reduce the risk of damage or debris in roadways.

Colder air moved into the Florida Keys Thursday night, making the Upper Keys noticeably chillier. Morning lows on Friday reached the mid to upper 40s in the Upper Keys, and northerly winds of 15 to 20 mph produced wind chill readings in the 40 to 45 degree range from Islamorada through Key Largo and Ocean Reef. The lowest wind chill readings were most likely between 11 PM Thursday evening and 9 AM Friday morning.

Public health and safety risks were twofold. Rapidly falling temperatures combined with gusty winds increased the danger of hypothermia for older adults, people experiencing homelessness, and others without reliable heating or shelter. Power interruptions, even brief, can quickly amplify that risk for residents who rely on electric heat, oxygen equipment, or refrigerated medicines. Using open-flame heaters indoors poses additional hazards, including fire and carbon monoxide poisoning, and outdoor area heaters used Thursday evening carried a tipping and large-flame risk in gusty conditions. People were urged to ensure heaters are stable and free of nearby flammable materials.

Pet owners and caregivers of vulnerable wildlife also felt the effects of the cold snap. Animals not accustomed to cooler temperatures needed extra protection, and some green iguanas in the far upper Keys, including Key Largo and Ocean Reef, risked becoming temporarily cold-stunned by Friday morning.

The event underscored ongoing equity issues around weather resilience in Monroe County. Households with limited resources, people living in mobile or older housing, and those without reliable transportation or social supports are most likely to suffer consequences from sudden wind and cold events. Community organizations, neighbors, and local emergency programs play a critical role in checking on at-risk residents, sharing warm spaces when safe and available, and helping secure property ahead of storms.

For readers, the episode is a reminder to maintain basic preparedness: secure outdoor items before forecasted wind, have a safety plan for power loss, protect pets and wildlife, and use heating devices only with strict attention to safety. As the Keys move past this cold snap, checking on vulnerable neighbors and planning for the next breezy, cool front will help reduce harm across the island community.