Tallahassee, Florida — A state of emergency has been declared on 41 counties in Florida by Governor Ron DeSantis in anticipation of Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, which is predicted to intensify into a tropical depression or storm in the coming days. The executive order, numbered 24-208, comes as the storm is strengthening over the northwest Caribbean Sea and southeast Gulf of Mexico, posing serious risks to the Florida Gulf Coast.
The maritime and atmospheric circumstances surrounding the system have been extremely favorable to its development and organization as of Monday morning. Forecast models indicate that the cyclone will not only intensify but also spread out, affecting regions of the northeast Gulf Coast far beyond its center of activity.
This cyclone’s possible effects include storm surge, erosion and flooding along the coast, flash floods caused by heavy rain, and strong gusts. Because of the effects of Hurricane Debby earlier in the season, North and West Central Florida’s already high riverine levels and water tables are predicted to get worse under these circumstances.
The impending severe weather is expected to create considerable riverine flooding, extensive power outages, and potential damage to essential infrastructure, including interstates, roadways, bridges, airports, and schools. This is stated in Governor DeSantis’s executive order, which highlights the alarming circumstances.
The central and northern parts of the state, as well as a large portion of Alachua, Bay, Bradford, and Washington counties, are under a state of emergency. This proclamation initiates the state’s overall emergency management plan and permits resource mobilization.
The Governor has designated the Executive Director of the Division of Emergency Management as the State Coordinating Officer for the duration of the emergency. In order to better handle the crisis, this official has been given the authority to invoke the Emergency Management Assistance Compact and other interstate agreements. They are also entrusted with carrying out state reaction and recovery operations.
In addition, the state coordinating officer will be able to request federal support and order all local, state, and federal government entities to provide staff and resources in order to deal with the emergency’s challenges.
It is advised that residents in the impacted areas keep track of the storm’s movement and follow any safety and evacuation orders given by local authorities. While state officials and Governor DeSantis observe the situation and coordinate their reaction to Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, they pledge complete transparency and continuous updates.
The complete executive order can be found here.
We are tracking Potential Tropical Cyclone #9, which is likely to strengthen this week as the system enters the Gulf of Mexico. I have issued Executive Order 24-208, declaring a state of emergency in 41 counties in Florida that could see potential impacts from the storm and…
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 23, 2024
