Gov. Ron DeSantis on Sunday encouraged Floridians to be prepared in the event of a storm as the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is monitoring the path of Invest 98L and its potential impacts on Florida.
A tropical Nor’easter is heading toward Florida and it could become a named storm later this week. An area near the Bahamas is forecast to target Florida and will likely become a tropical storm.
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By Election Day, the area will be on the edge of a building nor’easter that will last through the end of the week. Its magnitude may bring conditions similar to the impacts Ian had on Northeast Florida.
DeSantis said he and FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie remain in constant communication with local government officials from all 67 counties, the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service.
“I encourage all Floridians to be prepared and make a plan in the event a storm impacts Florida,” DeSantis said. “We will continue to monitor the path and trajectory of Invest 98L and we remain in constant contact with all state and local government partners.”
“As the Division continues to support communities in their recovery from Hurricane Ian, we are now closely monitoring 98L,” said FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie. “It is critical for Floridians to review their disaster preparedness plans and follow all directions from local officials in anticipation of potential impacts.”
As of 9 a.m., a disturbance over the Southwest Atlantic developed into Invest 98L, with a high chance of strengthening into a subtropical or tropical depression. Regardless of the intensity or exact path of the system, Floridians are reminded to prepare for an increased risk of coastal flooding, heavy winds, rain, rip currents and beach erosion.
DeSantis encouraged Floridians to listen to all orders from local officials and review their disaster preparedness plans. In addition to continuing Hurricane Ian recovery coordination, the state remains in constant communication with the emergency management officials of all 67 counties to identify potential resource gaps and to implement plans that will allow the state to respond quickly and efficiently ahead of the potential strengthening of Invest 98L. The Governor’s office and FDEM are coordinating with all state agencies and private sector partners to monitor potential needs.
No-Cost and Low-Cost Preparedness Measures for Floridians
- Make a Plan – Every household should have a disaster plan specific to the needs of their household, including consideration of children, pets and seniors. Every individual in the household should assist in developing the emergency plan and understand the plan. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Family-Plan for more information.
- Know Your Zone, Know Your Home – It’s important for residents to know if they live in an evacuation zone, a low-lying, flood-prone area, a mobile home or an unsafe structure during hurricane season. It is also very important for residents to know their home and its ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain. This information will help residents better understand orders from local officials during a storm. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know for more information.
- Have Multiple Ways to Receive Weather Alerts – Every household should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and follow all directions from local officials. Residents are encouraged to have a battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio to ensure they can continue to receive alerts from the National Weather Service in the event of power outages or damaged cell towers.
- Keep Gas Tanks Half Full – Residents should keep their vehicle’s gas tanks at least half full during hurricane season to ensure they have enough fuel to evacuate as soon as possible without worrying about long lines at gas stations and to avoid gas shortages prior to a storm. For Floridians with electric vehicles, it’s recommended that the battery be maintained between 50% - 80% capacity at all times, depending on the type of vehicle and what the vehicle’s manual recommends. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/HalfwayFull for more information.
Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Info to find information on shelters, road closures, evacuation routes and more.