 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 . 
