Florida Declares State of Emergency as Tropical Storm Milton Intensifies
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency across 35 counties in Florida in anticipation of Tropical Storm Milton, which is rapidly intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm, expected to evolve into a hurricane by Monday, poses a significant threat to the western Florida Peninsula, particularly in areas still reeling from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. With the potential for dangerous storm surges, heavy rainfall, and damaging winds, the National Hurricane Center and state authorities are urging residents to prepare for potentially severe conditions.
The declaration of a state of emergency, covered under Executive Order 24-214, underscores the seriousness of the threat. Counties such as Broward, Palm Beach, Pinellas, and Miami-Dade are among those under the emergency order, which enables local and state agencies to coordinate resources and streamline response efforts. One critical aspect of the executive order is that it ensures debris management sites remain operational around the clock, allowing for rapid cleanup from Hurricane Helene’s devastation in order to better brace for the impacts of Milton.
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Tropical Storm Milton is expected to bring substantial rainfall, with forecasts indicating up to eight inches across much of the state, and localized totals could reach up to twelve inches. This, coupled with above-normal rainfall levels in North Florida over the past month, has created a heightened risk of flash floods, urban flooding, and river overflow. Already-saturated soil will make flooding an almost immediate concern as the storm approaches.
Moreover, strong winds are expected to lead to widespread power outages as trees and infrastructure, already weakened by the hurricane season, succumb to further damage. The governor’s executive order directs all local law enforcement and emergency management personnel to facilitate a swift return for residents to their homes once conditions are deemed safe, ensuring a smooth recovery process. The activation of the Florida National Guard has also been authorized to aid in disaster response efforts.
Floridians are encouraged to stay vigilant and heed warnings from the National Hurricane Center and local authorities as Tropical Storm Milton approaches. Whether it evolves into a full-blown hurricane or not, the storm is likely to leave a lasting impact across the state, especially in areas that have yet to recover from the preceding storm.
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