Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared an emergency in 24 counties after Tropical Storm Ian can be seen gathering strength over the Caribbean and is expected to bring heavy rain and hurricane-force winds by next week.
The state government has encouraged residents and local governments to make preparations as the storm moves toward the state. DeSantis said in a statement:
“This storm has the potential to strengthen into a major hurricane and we encourage all Floridians to make their preparations. We are coordinating with all state and local government partners to track potential impacts of this storm.”
John Cangialosi, a senior hurricane specialist with National Hurricane Center in Miami, said it is currently unclear where Ian will hit hardest in the state but he urged residents to actively prepare for the storm.
“Too soon to say if it’s going to be a southeast Florida problem or a central Florida problem or just the entire state.So at this point really the right message for those living in Florida is that you have to watch forecasts and get ready and prepare yourself for potential impact from this tropical system.”
The governor’s declaration applies to Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and St. Lucie counties.
In other news, one week after Hurricane Fiona and most of Puerto Rico is lacking a power supply.