State of Emergency Declared as Hurricane Milton Approaches Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for Marion County and 34 additional counties due to Hurricane Milton, which may deliver Category 3 winds and dangerous storm surges, particularly affecting communities still recovering from recent hurricanes.

Governor Ron DeSantis has officially declared a state of emergency for Marion County and 34 additional counties across Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, which has the potential to bring winds equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane, alongside significant storm surges to the Florida peninsula. Regions already enduring the aftermath of Hurricane Helene from the previous month, as well as those impacted by Hurricane Ian in 2022, are particularly at risk. The counties included in the declaration are Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia. According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Milton is forecasted to intensify rapidly over the next 36 hours, potentially becoming a significant Category 3 hurricane by the time it approaches the west coast of Florida mid-week, which carries the risk of life-threatening conditions for areas along the state’s western shore. In response, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management has initiated preparedness efforts. A recent Facebook update released by the Division called upon residents to commence their own storm preparations, stating, “The Marion County Emergency Management division at the MCSO has been meeting already this weekend and making preparations ahead of the storm.” Many personnel have just returned from assisting in Northern Florida and are now gearing up for the impending storm.

In light of the impending Hurricane Milton, Governor DeSantis’s declaration of a state of emergency is a proactive measure aimed at ensuring that communities can mobilize resources and prepare adequately for possible impacts. The recent history of severe weather events in Florida, specifically Hurricanes Helene and Ian, underscores the urgency for preparedness among residents, especially those still recovering from last year’s devastation. The categorization of Hurricane Milton as potentially a Category 3 system raises alarms for communities facing resurgence of significant damage and danger.

In summary, Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 35 Florida counties, including Marion, in anticipation of Hurricane Milton’s arrival. The storm, expected to intensify rapidly, poses a threat of devastating winds and storm surges, primarily affecting western Florida. Local authorities are urging residents to prepare adequately as they mobilize to confront this brewing crisis.

Original Source: www.ocala.com