Tropical Storm Debby is threatening to cause flooding in several cities in Florida, which is why state authorities are preparing massive evacuations to protect lives.
"As Tropical Storm Debby approaches Florida, we are preparing statewide and have activated the State Emergency Operations Center," wrote Governor Ron DeSantis on X.
In Florida, the Division of Emergency Management is working with the 67 counties. The goal is to "identify and meet any needs before the storm," the governor noted.
Likewise, DeSantis stated that "state agencies are prepared to respond quickly and efficiently. The Florida National Guard and the Florida State Guard are activated to support humanitarian assistance and search and rescue missions."
He called on citizens to remain alert because “dangers such as strong winds, storm surges, and tornadoes may occur before making landfall, even outside the forecasted 'cone'.”
The governor suggested following the X account of the Division of Emergency Management and all local protection accounts.
In its report, Local 10 mentioned that the island city of Cedar Key, in Levy County, is expected to be the most affected by the cyclonic event, which is forecasted to reach category 1 or 2 hurricane status on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
"We want them to flee from the surge, to hide from the wind," said John MacDonald, director of Emergency Management for Levy County.
In that county, mandatory evacuation orders were issued for coastal communities and low-lying areas.
The mandatory evacuation orders also applied to mobile homes and recreational vehicles, both vulnerable to the forces of a hurricane.
"If you find yourselves in an area of sudden temperature rise, you must remove everything from that area, all your belongings, including yourself. We have little time now, so these messages are coming through firmly and quickly: prepare to evacuate," MacDonald said in an urgent message to residents of northwest Florida.
What do you think?
COMMENTFiled under: