Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for much of the state, excluding South Florida, in anticipation of a tropical disturbance that may strengthen into a tropical depression. The executive order focuses on preparing resources for a possible “major disaster” in 54 of the state’s 67 counties in North, Central, and Southwest Florida. The emergency order was triggered by a tropical wave known as Invest 97L, being tracked by the National Hurricane Center, which has the potential to develop into a tropical depression over the eastern Gulf of Mexico near Florida.
The tropical wave is currently producing a large area of showers and thunderstorms over Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, the southeastern Bahamas, and the adjacent waters of the southwestern Atlantic and northeastern Caribbean Sea. Forecasters predict that the wave may start to form into a tropical depression over the weekend as environmental conditions become more favorable for storm formation. The hurricane center has given the wave a 40% chance of forming into a depression in the next two days and a 70% chance within the next week.
The state of emergency was declared to prepare for heavy rains that could result in severe flooding. Forecasters warn that the region could see at least 12 inches of rain in the next seven days, leading to flash flooding, river flooding, coastal flooding, erosion, and gusty winds. The severe weather may also cause damage to critical infrastructure such as highways, bridges, airports, schools, hospitals, and power grids. The emergency order aims to address the potential dangers presented by the tropical wave and to ensure the safety of the residents of Florida.
DeSantis signed the executive order as part of his responsibility as Governor of Florida to address the dangers posed by the emergency. The order specifically targets the areas that are most likely to be impacted by the tropical disturbance, excluding South Florida counties with the exception of Monroe County. The governor emphasized the need for preparedness and resource allocation in order to effectively respond to any potential disaster that may arise from the storm.
The National Hurricane Center has been closely monitoring the tropical wave and providing updates on its development. The formation of a tropical depression could lead to heavy rains and floods in the region, even if the storm does not strengthen significantly. Residents of North, Central, and Southwest Florida are urged to stay alert and follow safety precautions in preparation for the potential impact of the storm. The state government is coordinating efforts to ensure that necessary resources are in place to address any emergency situations that may arise.
In conclusion, the state of emergency declared by Governor DeSantis is a proactive measure taken to protect the residents of Florida from the potential impact of a tropical disturbance that may develop into a tropical depression. The executive order aims to allocate resources and prepare for a possible “major disaster” in the affected counties. Residents are advised to stay informed about the progress of the storm, follow safety guidelines, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being. The state government is committed to addressing the challenges posed by the severe weather and ensuring the resilience of Florida’s communities in the face of natural disasters.
