61 counties in Florida are under a state of emergency due to the threat of Helene, the tropical storm expected to strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane in the coming days.
- 61 counties in Florida are under a state of emergency due to the threat of Helene, the tropical storm expected to strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane in the coming days.
- These are the 61 Florida counties under a state of emergency:
- What does it mean that 61 Florida counties are under a state of emergency?
- What should you do if you live in an affected area?
- DeSantis said the storm is expected to move quickly and that Florida’s Panhandle and Big Bend should be “especially prepared for a direct impact.”
Governor Ron DeSantis said Tuesday that all counties outside of Southeast Florida are included in the emergency order, which allows state officials to make resources available to communities ahead of any potential impact from the storm.
These are the 61 Florida counties under a state of emergency:
Alachua Baker Bay Bradford Brevard Calhoun Charlotte Citrus Clay Collier Columbia DeSoto Dixie Duval Escambia Flagler Franklin Gadsden Gilchrist Glades Gulf Hamilton Hardee Hendry Hernando Highlands Hillsborough Holmes Jackson Jefferson Lafayette Lake Lee Leon Levy Liberty Madison Manatee Marion Monroe Nassau Okaloosa Okeechobee Orange Osceola Pasco Pinellas Polk Putnam Santa Rosa Sarasota Seminole St. Johns Sumter Suwannee Taylor Union Volusia Wakulla Walton Washington
What does it mean that 61 Florida counties are under a state of emergency?
- Large-scale preparation: This indicates that state and local authorities are taking significant steps to protect Florida residents.
- Potential severe impact: The emergency declaration for so many counties suggests a significant weather event is expected, with possible flooding, strong winds, and other risks associated with tropical storms.
- Resource activation: State and federal resources will be activated to respond to the emergency, including rescue teams, shelters, and emergency supplies.
What should you do if you live in an affected area?
- Stay informed: Follow local news and updates from authorities via radio, television, internet, or mobile apps.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Include bottled water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlight, battery-powered radio, and other essential items.
- Create an evacuation plan: If you live in an evacuation zone, identify safe escape routes and establish a meeting point with your family.
- Protect your home: Ensure your windows are secured, trim trees around your house, and store objects that could become projectiles.
Tropical Storm Helene formed Tuesday morning and is expected to rapidly intensify into a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday night.
DeSantis said the storm is expected to move quickly and that Florida’s Panhandle and Big Bend should be “especially prepared for a direct impact.”
“There could be impacts outside of where the current cone is. And, in fact, we anticipate there will be impacts beyond the current cone,” DeSantis said.
In anticipation of the powerful storm, more than 18,000 linemen are ready to respond to any storm-related power outages, and 3,000 Florida National Guard soldiers are prepared to assist with search and rescue operations and route clearance.
The Florida National Guard is also activated, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management is providing high-water vehicles, tarps, generators, and additional first responders to areas expected to suffer the worst of the weather.
Our viewing area will feel the impacts of Helene between Wednesday and Friday.
We will begin to see the outer bands on Wednesday as the storm moves into the Gulf.
That will continue into Thursday with the threat of severe weather, gusty winds, and heavy rainfall.
“The storm will stay about 300 miles to the west, but it will increase winds. We could have winds between 40 and 50 miles per hour.”
By the weekend, the chances of storms will drop to more seasonal levels.
Image: T31
