Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in Marion and 34 other Florida counties as Hurricane Milton approaches, potentially escalating to Category 3 strength. Communities still recovering from previous hurricanes are at heightened risk, prompting local emergency management to advise residents to prepare for severe weather and possible life-threatening conditions.
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency across Marion County and an additional 34 counties in Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, which is projected to approach the state with significant strength. This weather disturbance may bring winds categorizing as high as a Category 3 hurricane, along with dangerous storm surges, posing severe threats to residents along the Florida peninsula. Particularly vulnerable are communities still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene in the previous month and Hurricane Ian, which struck in 2022. The extensive list of counties under the state of emergency includes 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. Meteorological forecasts from the National Hurricane Center indicate that Hurricane Milton is anticipated to rapidly intensify in the coming 36 hours and could escalate to a major Category 3 hurricane by the time it reaches the Florida west coast in the middle of the week. Consequently, this situation poses risks that could result in life-threatening conditions for various areas along the coast. In response, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management has disseminated information through social media platforms, advising local residents to commence their preparatory measures in light of Milton, which is now classified as a tropical storm. The division has already been operational, conducting advance planning sessions and mobilizing resources to ensure readiness for the incoming storm. Many personnel have recently concluded their obligations to assist in North Florida and are now refocusing efforts on this impending storm.
In recent years, Florida has experienced several devastating hurricanes that have led to widespread damages and recovery efforts. Governor Ron DeSantis’s action of declaring a state of emergency is a proactive measure aimed at ensuring public safety and facilitating response coordination among various governmental agencies. The declaration allows for the mobilization of resources to assist affected areas and prepares communities for severe weather, especially during hurricane season when such occurrences become likely.
The declaration of a state of emergency by Governor DeSantis across Marion County and 34 additional Florida counties is a critical step in preparing for Hurricane Milton, which threatens to bring substantial winds and potential storm surges. Communities that have recently battled recovery from earlier hurricanes find themselves once again in a precarious situation as they prepare for this potential crisis. Local agencies are mobilizing to ensure that residents are informed and ready for the challenges that may arise from this impending storm.
Original Source: www.ocala.com
