Floridians Need to Remain Vigilant to Tropical Depression

Floridians Need to Remain Vigilant to Tropical Depression

 Today, Governor Rick Scott spoke with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to get an update on storm impacts. Tomorrow, August 30, 2016, the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee will elevate its activation status to Level Two in preparation for potential impacts from Tropical Depression 9 entering the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday. Current National Hurricane Center (NHC) models are forecasting the storm to enter the Big Bend and Nature Coast areas within the next 72 hours.  While the NHC models are more confident in the storm’s path, its potential intensity remains unknown. A significant threat of flooding and flash flooding exists for South Florida, the Florida Keys and communities along the Gulf Coast.

Governor Scott said, “As this tropical depression continues to develop and strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico, it is important for Florida families and businesses to prepare for heavy rainfall, gusty winds and flooding. Now is the time to get prepared since we know our state will likely be impacted over the next few days. Remember to never drive on flooded roadways, seek shelter in the event of severe weather and always have a plan in place to keep your family safe.

“It is also important to remember that before and following this storm, we all must do our part to combat the Zika virus. Make sure to dump standing water around your home and business to eliminate potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same. We will continue to monitor the storm and utilize all resources to keep all Florida families safe.”

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

Potential impacts include:

·         Rainfall totals of 3 to 5 inches are possible over the southern Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys throughWednesday. 

·         Isolated maximum rain amounts of 7 inches could occur over coastal areas of South Florida and the Keys.  This rainfall may cause flooding and flash flooding.

·         Strong, life-threatening rip currents and other coastal hazards are possible along all East Coast and Gulf Coast beaches throughout week.

·         Specific Florida Gulf Coast impacts associated with Tropical Depression 9 could include damaging winds, storm surge, flooding and tornadoes. 

·         Gulf Coast impacts to Florida will likely begin Wednesday night and last through Friday.

·         Gulf Coast areas may receive 7-10 inches of rain, with localized higher amounts possible.

• As of now there are no tropical storm watches or warnings issued for Florida.
• Hurricane Gaston and Tropical Depression 8 do not pose a threat to Florida.

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 flood waters, and just one 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:

• If you see a flooded roadway, remember the phrase Turn Around, Don’t Drown and always 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.

The SEOC is the operational and logistical coordination headquarters for the State Emergency Response Team and is located in Tallahassee. 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

For more information on severe weather resources, or to create an emergency plan for your family, please visitFLGetAPlan.com.

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The Florida Division of Emergency Management is the state agency charged with preparing for all types of disasters in Florida.  The Division is the state's disaster liaison with federal and local agencies, and is the lead consequence management agency for the State Emergency Response Team (SERT).  The Division maintains the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee and the State Warning Point, the 24-hour communications and command center for response coordination. Follow the Division on social media atfacebook.com/FloridaSERT or on Twitter @FLSERT.