Florida Governor DeSantis Declares State of Emergency for Hurricane Milton

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Milton approaches, expected to bring Category 3 winds and storm surge, particularly threatening counties recovering from previous hurricanes.

In response to the impending threat posed by Hurricane Milton, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has proclaimed a state of emergency for the state. Hurricane Milton, anticipated to reach the Florida peninsula with winds equivalent to a Category 3 storm, may also produce significant storm surge, creating additional hazards across affected regions. Notably, areas that are still recovering from the recent strikes of Hurricane Helene and the 2022 Hurricane Ian are under considerable threat. The governor’s declaration encompasses a wide range of counties susceptible to the hurricane’s impacts, including but not limited to Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia County. According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Milton is predicted to undergo rapid intensification within the next 36 hours, likely reaching the classification of a major hurricane as it approaches the west coast of Florida mid-week. The center warns that this could result in severe, life-threatening conditions for various communities along Florida’s west coast.

Hurricane Milton poses a significant threat to Florida, particularly for regions still in recovery from previous hurricanes. The announcement of a state of emergency by Governor DeSantis serves to mobilize state resources and prepare communities for the potential impact of the hurricane. By preparing in advance, residents and officials aim to mitigate the risks associated with severe weather events, including high winds and storm surges that could exacerbate flooding and other dangers.

In summary, Governor Ron DeSantis has officially declared a state of emergency for Florida as Hurricane Milton approaches, with expected Category 3 winds and life-threatening conditions for numerous counties. This proactive measure seeks to protect residents and improve response readiness, especially in areas still recovering from past hurricanes. The National Hurricane Center indicates that rapid intensification is likely, prompting increased vigilance across the state.

Original Source: www.tallahassee.com