Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency across 54 counties in response to the threat posed by the tropical wave Invest 97L. The measure, formalized through Executive Order 24-156, was announced on August 1, 2024, in a memorandum by Bryan Griffin, the Director of Communications.
The order affects the following counties: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.
DeSantis's decision is based on meteorological reports indicating that the tropical wave, currently located over Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, has a high probability of developing into a tropical depression in the coming days, which could potentially impact the Florida peninsula.
Forecasts suggest that the weather system will bring heavy rainfall, with accumulations exceeding 12 inches in a week, potentially causing significant flooding. Strong winds are also expected, which could lead to power outages and damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, and hospitals.
The governor has appointed the Director of the Division of Emergency Management as the State Coordinator, granting them authority to implement the state’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and coordinate response, rescue, and evacuation operations with federal and local agencies. Additionally, the activation of the Florida National Guard has been ordered to address this emergency.
DeSantis emphasized the importance of collaboration between all government agencies and the community to mitigate the impacts of this natural phenomenon, urging the public to stay informed and follow local authorities' instructions.
This is the 25th tropical wave of the season. Since this Friday, isolated thunderstorms and rain have been reported in eastern Cuba. In Guantánamo, the first heavy rains have occurred, and cloud cover with showers, rain, and isolated thunderstorms are increasing in the eastern part of the country.
FAQs About Florida's State of Emergency and Tropical Wave Invest 97L
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the state of emergency declared by Governor Ron DeSantis and the potential impacts of Tropical Wave Invest 97L on Florida.
What prompted the state of emergency declaration in Florida?
The state of emergency was declared in response to meteorological reports indicating that Tropical Wave Invest 97L has a high probability of developing into a tropical depression, posing a significant threat to the Florida peninsula.
Which counties are affected by the state of emergency?
The state of emergency affects 54 counties, including Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.