The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in 54 counties in response to the threat of tropical wave Invest 97L.
The measure, formalized through Executive Order 24-156, was announced on August 1, 2024, in a memorandum from the communications director, Bryan Griffin.
The order covers the following counties: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.
DeSantis' decision is based on weather reports indicating that the tropical wave, currently located over Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, has a high probability of becoming a tropical depression in the coming days, with the potential to affect the Florida peninsula.
The forecasts indicate that the meteorological formation will bring heavy rainfall, with accumulations that could exceed 12 inches in a week, causing flooding.
Strong winds are also expected, which could cause power outages and damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, and hospitals.
The governor has appointed the director of the Division of Emergency Management as State Coordinator, granting them the authority to execute the state's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, and to coordinate with federal and local agencies in the necessary response, rescue, and evacuation operations.
Additionally, he ordered the activation of the Florida National Guard to face this emergency.
DeSantis emphasized the importance of collaboration between all government agencies and the community to mitigate the impacts of this natural phenomenon, urging the population to stay informed and follow the guidelines of local authorities.
This is tropical wave #25. Starting this Friday, rain and isolated thunderstorms are reported in the eastern part of Cuba.
In Guantánamo, the first intense rainfall has occurred, and areas of cloudiness with showers, rains, and isolated thunderstorms are increasing in the eastern part of the country.
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