Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency for multiple Florida counties as Invest 97-L moves toward the state.
Currently, Invest 97-L is producing a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms over Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
It is expected to potentially upgrade into a tropical depression before making landfall in Florida, posing a risk of severe weather.
Read: Tampa Emergency Management Prepares For Potential Tropical Weather, Opens Sandbag Sites
Expected Landfall and Affected Areas
Experts predict that Florida could experience landfall over the weekend into early next week. The state of emergency covers the following counties: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.
Declaring a state of emergency is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and preparedness of residents in these areas. This move allows for the mobilization of resources and implementing emergency plans to protect life and property.
The state of emergency declaration permits the deployment of necessary resources and emergency plans to safeguard residents and property from potential storm damage. Emergency services and local authorities are on high alert to provide assistance and ensure swift action in response to any developments.
Read: Mastering Hurricane Preparedness: A Comprehensive Guide For All Of Florida
Residents are urged to stay informed through local news outlets and official state communications for updates and instructions as the situation evolves.
NHC UPDATE:
A large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms is spreading over Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, the Southeastern Bahamas, and the adjacent waters due to a well-defined tropical wave.
This system is expected to move west-northwestward over the Greater Antilles, with slow development in the next day or two.
However, conditions are likely to become more favorable for development after the wave passes the Greater Antilles, with a tropical depression likely to form this weekend or early next week over the eastern Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Peninsula. Interests in the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, and Florida should monitor this system.
- Formation chance through 48 hours…low…30 percent.
- Formation chance through 7 days…high…70 percent.
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