Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 51 counties across the state, in anticipation of Hurricane Milton’s landfall. The executive order, which was first issued on Saturday and extended to more counties Sunday, includes Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties.
Other counties included in the order include Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie Sumter, Suwanee, Taylor, Union, and Volusia counties.
What is happening with Hurricane Milton?
As of a 2 p.m. Sunday advisory issued by the National Hurricane Center, Milton has intensified into a hurricane with sustained winds of 80 mph. Forecasters expect it to reach major hurricane status before approaching Florida’s west coast by midweek. Some models predict it to make landfall as a Category 3, while others say Category 2.
Despite significant uncertainty as to how Milton will play out, the NHC said there is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds for portions of the state’s west coast on Wednesday. Areas of heavy rainfall will impact portions of Florida, bringing risks of flash, urban and areal flooding.
What does a state of emergency mean for Florida?
According to state law, “A state of emergency shall be declared by executive order or proclamation of the Governor if she or he finds an emergency has occurred or that the occurrence or the threat thereof is imminent.”
Usually issued before, during or after a hurricane or storm, a state of emergency calls on Floridians to be ready for disaster but it’s important NOT to panic. In fact, Floridians should breathe a sigh of relief knowing the governor is granting local governments more leeway in response actions and activating the necessary resources we need.
It’s important to listen to local officials and have a plan ready as the storm approaches. You can find all the latest updates on Milton at hurricanes.gov. For hurricane preparedness and safety, visit ready.gov/hurricanes.
Stay safe, Florida!