Gov. Scott raises State Operations Center to Level 2

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Rick Scott is reminding Florida residents and visitors to remain vigilant and be prepared for possible severe weather, heavy rain and flooding from a tropical depression developing in the Gulf of Mexico Sunday.

At 11 a.m. Sunday, the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee elevated its activation status to Level 2 as the state prepares for possible impacts from the tropical depression.

“As we continue to closely monitor this tropical depression, Floridians should remain vigilant and have an emergency plan for their families and businesses in place today,” said Scott. “The Level 2 activation at the State Emergency Operations Center will help state and local emergency management officials work together to ensure our state is ready to respond to any impacts of this weather event.”

“As the tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico approaches the state, county emergency management officials are enacting their protective actions in accordance with their local plans, said FDEM Director, Bryan W. Koon. “We are activating to Level 2 and engaging the State Emergency Response Team to assist our local partners in fulfilling any protective action measures or life-safety needs they may have.” 

Located in Tallahassee, the SEOC is the operational and logistical coordination headquarters for the State Emergency Response Team. The SEOC has three activation levels, with Level 1 being the highest:

• Level 3: Normal daily active monitoring
• Level 2: Activation of mission-specific emergency support and planning functions
• Level 1: Full activation of all emergency support functions

Potential impacts include:

• Rainfall amounts through Wednesday could reach up to 5 inches across much of the Florida Peninsula, with isolated totals of 8 to 10 inches near and north of the I-4 corridor.  Potentially heavy rainfall throughout the state could result in urban flooding for both coastal and inland regions.
• Coastal flooding may occur along much of the Gulf Coast from Franklin to Monroe counties.
• Severe thunderstorms are possible across North Florida Sunday. Additional severe weather is possible through Monday across portions of North and Central Florida.
• Increased wave heights along the Gulf Coast Monday and Tuesday and along the Atlantic Coast on Tuesday and Wednesday will elevate the risk of rip currents and minor coastal erosion.

If severe weather is forecast in your area, be sure to follow these important safety tips:

• Ensure your NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio is on and programmed for your area or stay tuned to a trusted local media outlet for the most current weather situation. Ensure your disaster supply kit is prepared and heed all instructions from local officials.
• Know what you would do in the event of a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch or warning. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, seek shelter immediately in an interior room, away from windows.
• NEVER drive through flooded roadways as road beds may be washed out under floodwaters, and just 1 foot of fast-moving flood water can move most cars off the road.
• If thunder roars, go indoors. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning and should seek shelter.

If flooding is likely in your area, you should:

• Turn Around, Don’t Drown. If you see a flooded roadway, turn around and take another route. Take your time when traveling.
• Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canals and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with little or no warning.

Nearly 1.2 million traffic crashes occur each year on wet pavement causing more than a half million injuries and 5,700 deaths, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“It’s important that drivers heed official warnings and avoid driving on wet and flooded roads if possible,” said AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters. “Driving through standing water is especially dangerous, because you never know just how deep the water is or what you are driving over.”

If your vehicle shuts down while in standing water, do not try to restart it. Restarting a vehicle in standing water allows water to enter the engine, which could cost thousands of dollars to repair.

Tips for Driving on Wet Roads:

• Check Tires: Make sure tires are properly inflated and have enough tread depth. This will allow the vehicle to have better traction and maneuverability on the road. Worn tires with little tread are much more likely to hydroplane on wet pavement, resulting in a loss of braking power and steering control. Check the tread depth of your car’s tires by inserting a quarter upside down into a tire groove. If you can see above Washington’s head at any point, it’s time for new tires.
• Slow Down and Leave Room: Slowing down during wet weather driving can be critical to reducing a car’s chance of hydroplaning, when the tires rise up on a film of water. With as little as a half inch of water on the road, tires have to displace a gallon of water per second to keep the rubber meeting the road. Drivers should reduce their speed to correspond to the amount of water on the roadway. At speeds as low as 35 mph, new tires can still lose some contact with the roadway. Also, it is important for motorists to allow ample stopping distance between cars by increasing the following distance of the vehicle in front of them and beginning to slow down to stop for intersections, turns and other traffic early.
• Avoid Cruise Control: This feature works great in dry conditions, but when used in wet conditions, the chance of losing control of the vehicle can increase. To prevent loss of traction, the driver may need to reduce the car’s speed by lifting off the accelerator, which cannot be accomplished when cruise control is engaged.
• Rainy Conditions Can Cause Low Visibility: Turn on your headlights to help you see better and to allow other motorists to spot you better. Avoid using your high beams because you could blind other drivers and the extra light will reflect off the rain, causing more of a distraction for you.
• Visibility While Driving: If you can’t see the edges of the road or other vehicles at a safe distance while driving during wet weather, pull of the road as far as you can and wait for the rain to ease up. Make sure to turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers.

The 2016 Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June 1 – Nov. 30. 

For additional information about severe weather in Florida and to Get A Plan, visit FloridaDisaster.org and FLGetAPlan.com.

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