You are here

Home » Dry Tortugas Battens Down In Advance Of Hurricane Ian

Dry Tortugas Battens Down In Advance Of Hurricane Ian

Share

Published Date

September 26, 2022

Dry Tortugas National Park closed Monday in advance of Hurricane Ian/NOAA


Dry Tortugas National Park near the southern tip of Florida closed to the public Monday to prepare for Hurricane Ian, which threatened to arrive Tuesday morning with winds greater than 110 miles per hour, heavy rains, and raging seas. The closure mandated the temporary suspension of concession-operated ferry and sea plane services to the park.

Park rangers completed hurricane preparations at Dry Tortugas, which is 70 miles west of Key West, on Monday morning. Garden Key, Loggerhead Key and all other islands and facilities in the park were closed, including the campground, main dock, and visitor courtesy slips on Garden Key, as well as the main dock at Loggerhead Key.

While the park is closed, vessels were being provided safe harbor in designated areas within the one nautical mile anchoring zone around Garden Key, including Bird Key Harbor.

If the storm track changes, the park might issue a new advisory with updated status, including any lifting of closures.

Ian arrives five years after two hurricanes, Irma and Maria, battered Virgin Islands, Everglades, Dry Tortugas, and Biscayne national parks before moving up the Atlantic Seaboard. Those storms tore out a 40-foot section of the moat that surrounds Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas.

Related Stories:

Why Our Nation's Most Vulnerable Species Are At Risk
A Day In The Park: Dry Tortugas National Park

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Jean Outler on September 27, 2022 - 3:24pm.

Hope the storm leaves the Dry Tortugas quickly and with only minor problems.  A very special place!  


Submitted by Viceroy on September 27, 2022 - 11:13pm.

I agree. One of the most remarkable places I ever been. Hope not too much damage.


Submitted by Amy on September 28, 2022 - 8:25am.

I've been there. it's the safest place to be in a storm. The walls of the fort are 8 feet thick. be safe


Submitted by Kay from California on September 28, 2022 - 12:12pm.

Visited Dry Tortugas in February of this year, 2022, and know that the Fort is Eternal. Can't think of a safer place to stay than inside that Fort, if necessary. My concern is for the animal life, the shifting erosion of beach and sand. It is a wonderful place that will stand the test of time. I wonder how many birds and critters take shelter inside the Fort in a storm like this? Prayers for all of Florida


Submitted by RJ on September 29, 2022 - 1:06am.

The hurricane eye went right over the park, islands took a direct hit.


Submitted by Teri on September 29, 2022 - 11:16am.

Any updates on how the park?


Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on September 29, 2022 - 11:20am.

No word from the National Park Service yet, I'm afraid.


Submitted by Nick on October 3, 2022 - 7:12pm.

Can see some of the damage here:

https://yachtwarriors.com/dry-tortugas-takes-direct-hit-from-hurricane-ian/


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.