Gov. Scott: As Storm Impacts South Florida, Residents and Visitors Should Remain Prepared for Severe Weather

Governor Rick Scott spoke with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to get an update on storm impacts in South Florida. FDEM is continuing to actively monitor a developing storm system as it moves through the Florida Straits and South Florida, and is urging everyone in Florida to remain vigilant as it moves toward the Gulf of Mexico. FDEM has not elevated the activation level of the State Emergency Operations Center, or activated the State Emergency Response Team but stands ready. 

Governor Scott said, “As we continue to closely monitor this storm, residents and visitors in South Florida and the Florida Keys should remain prepared for gusty winds and heavy rainfall through Tuesday. There remains a potential for heavy rain to extend to the Gulf Coast later this week as the storm moves into the Gulf of Mexico and everyone in Florida should continue to monitor this weather system. Floridians know that this time of year weather can change rapidly and being prepared is the best way to keep your family safe. With heavy rainfall expected across South Florida and a potential for flooding, it is important that everyone does their part to combat the Zika virus. Any amount of standing water can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and everyone should dump the water around their homes and businesses following this storm. We will continue to provide regular updates on this storm as it develops. If you don’t have a plan, please visit FLGetAPlan.com.”

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has designated the developing system as Invest 99L, and estimates it to have a 40-percent chance of cyclone formation in the next 48 hours and a 60-percent chance of cyclone formation within the next five days. Conditions are expected to be more favorable for development once the system moves into the eastern Gulf of Mexico tomorrow. Periods of heavy downpours and gusty winds are likely across South Florida today, spreading northward throughout the Peninsula as the week progresses. Strong rip currents are likely along all east coast beaches today.

FDEM Director Bryan Koon, said, “As this system moves into the Gulf of Mexico early this week, everyone – especially those along the Gulf Coast and Big Bend – should be prepared and have a plan. We will continue to monitor this storm and stand ready to respond to any impacts this system has on Florida communities.”

The next names on the 2016 Atlantic Storm name list are Hermine (pronounced Er-meen) and Ian.

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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.