State of emergency declared along Gulf Coast; covers more than half of Florida

The National Hurricane Center forecasts that tropical-storm-force winds could reach Florida as early as Wednesday. (Graphic via National Hurricane Center)

In anticipation of what is classified as a potential tropical cyclone, Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in more than half of the state.

The governor’s executive order issued Monday covers 41 counties, all in the western half of the state.

As of Monday afternoon, Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine had parts of Mexico and Cuba under hurricane watches and tropical storm warnings. According to forecasts, conditions are conducive to develop into a tropical depression or tropical storm in the northwestern Caribbean Sea and southeastern Gulf of Mexico by Tuesday or Wednesday.

From there, further strengthening is expected, according to the governor’s office.

“Now is the time to make an emergency plan, know your evacuation zone, and be as prepared as possible for the storm,” DeSantis said in a social media post .

"Forecast models indicate that this system will have a vast areal extent, and its impact will likely extend well beyond its center, along the northeast Gulf Coast; and there is a significant threat of storm surge, coastal flooding and erosion, heavy rainfall and flash flooding, and damaging winds to the Florida Gulf Coast," the declaration states.

The governor noted the potential for flooding due to water tables that have not fully receded since Hurricane Debby in August.

The state of emergency activates government agencies to address power outages, difficulty with traveling, and reduced access to health services, including the National Guard as needed.

Counties under a state of emergency are eligible for increased access to services, including prescription refills up to 30 days early, shelters at public facilities, and more .

The Division of Emergency Management will provide updates, including county emergency management information, sandbag use, evacuation information, and more on its website.

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