WEATHER

Tropical storm warning in Florida: What does state of emergency mean?

A developing storm is predicted to become a hurricane as it moves north toward Florida prompting a state-of-emergency declaration. What does that mean?

ZAYDEE SANCHEZREUTERS

A state of emergency has been declared in thirty-three counties in Florida by Governor Ron DeSantis due to a developing storm off the east coast of the Yucatan peninsula. As Tropical Depression 10 moves north, it is forecast to gain strength possibly becoming a hurricane by Tuesday.

Its current path is predicted to take it over the Big Bend area where it could make landfall between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning according to the National Weather Service.

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Tropical storm warning in Florida: What does state of emergency mean?

The DeSantis’ state-of-emergency declaration allows state officials to make critical resources available to the 33 counties that may be impacted by the storm. These include those from law enforcement, Health and Human Services and the Florida Department of Transportation.

Resources are being readied and staged in and around areas where the storm is projected to impact the state. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement activated the State Emergency Operations Center Team which will support ongoing operations.

The Florida Department of Children and Families, depending on the severity of the storm, is prepared to request early release of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The Florida Department of Health (DOH), in conjunction with local emergency management, is working to prepare special needs shelters. These are designed to meet the needs of individuals who require assistance that exceeds services provided at a general population shelter. DOH advises those who may need access to a special needs shelter to pre-register.

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