(U) The mean range of tide is 1.3 feet (1 m) at Key West. Daily predictions for Key West are given in the Tide Tables. (6)

(U) Sea level is affected by other factors as well as the tide-producing forces, e.g. atmospheric pressure, wind set-up, solar heating, etc. In the absence of such disturbances, the tide predictions are generally accurate to about +/- 3 cm (1.17 in) and +/- 5 min. Meteorological effects, leaving out extremes such as hurricanes, may cause differences of tens of centimeters and tens of minutes. (5)

(U) Storm tides can be hazardous when an intense hurricane approaches Key West from the Caribbean, passing close to the west. The height of the expected surge will appear in the hurricane warnings; however, there is a large variability in surge heights along the Florida Keys due to their physical characteristics. (6)

(U) Tidal predictions for this area can be found in: Tide Tables, High and Low Water Predictions; East Coast of North and South America, including Greenland, U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, published annually. (6)