Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in Marion and 34 other Florida counties as Hurricane Milton approaches, forecast to become a Category 3 storm. Areas previously affected by Hurricane Helene and Ian are particularly vulnerable. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to prepare as emergency management teams mobilize for response efforts.
Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a state of emergency for Marion County and thirty-four other counties in Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, which is on track to produce winds characteristic of a Category 3 storm alongside significant storm surge. Communities particularly vulnerable to the storm are those still recovering from the aftermaths of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Ian, which struck last month and in 2022, respectively. The counties included in the emergency declaration are 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. As Hurricane Milton approaches, forecasts suggest it will strengthen significantly within the next thirty-six hours, possibly reaching the Florida peninsula’s west coast mid-week with the potential for life-threatening impacts, as alerted by the National Hurricane Center. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office’s Division of Emergency Management is currently on high alert. As of 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, this division issued a Facebook post advising residents of Marion County to prepare for the approaching storm, which is presently classified as Tropical Storm Milton. They have noted ongoing preparations and response actions, emphasizing that many of their deputies recently assisted in response efforts in Northern Florida and are proactively preparing for this forthcoming storm.
This article discusses the state of emergency declared by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as Hurricane Milton poses a threat to several counties in Florida. The declaration aims to prepare for the severe weather conditions anticipated as the storm approaches, particularly focusing on areas that have suffered from recent hurricanes. The information included outlines which counties are impacted, the expected severity of the storm, and the proactive measures being undertaken by local emergency management agencies to safeguard the residents.
In conclusion, the declaration of a state of emergency by Governor Ron DeSantis indicates the urgency with which the state is approaching the impending threat posed by Hurricane Milton. With its predicted intensification to a possible Category 3 hurricane, residents in the affected areas are urged to take immediate preparation steps. The collaborative efforts among emergency management teams highlight the state’s commitment to disaster readiness and public safety.
Original Source: www.ocala.com
