 In preparation for the storm, the American Red Cross opened 213 shelters, which were collectively occupied by 38,323 people. Officials prepared two trains at Fort Pierce to evacuate residents living along Lake Okeechobee. Many residents in the area sought higher ground, but most refused to evacuate via the trains. Strong winds lashed Florida, with a sustained wind speed of 122 mph (196 km / h) observed at the Naval Air Station Key West, before the anemometer blew away. There, 30 commercial and private aircraft were destroyed. Winds de-roofed some homes and businesses nearby. Tides reached about 6 ft (1.8 m) above mean low water. The hurricane was considered the worst in Key West since 1919. About 3 – 5 in (76 – 127 mm) of rain fell on the Florida Keys.
