MIAMI – State and local officials are setting states of emergency and getting prepared for a hurricane, as South Florida remained in the cone of probability on Friday.
As Tropical Depression 9 was strengthening in the Caribbean, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 24 counties, including Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe.
Local officials in Monroe County declared a state of local emergency as well.
“Evacuations and sheltering will be discussed (Saturday) morning for visitors and people who live in mobile homes, low-lying areas, liveaboard boaters, and the homeless,” a Monroe County spokesperson said in an email.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava spoke in Miami Friday.
“Florida is in the cone of concern and we urge our community to continue monitoring this storm. Now is the time to make sure you have a hurricane plan in place, for yourself and your family, and to double check that you have a hurricane emergency kit and that it is fully stocked,” Levine Cava said.
Officials are preparing to lower water levels in South Florida canals ahead of a possible storm. The South Florida Water Management District says it’s working in concert with local drainage districts to mitigate against flooding.
“It is too early to know what the exact impacts will be but we must prepare for the worst to ensure our community remains safe,” Levine Cava said.
The U.S. Coast Guard is also encouraging boaters to stay off the water when the storm nears.
State officials are also encouraging medically-dependent Floridians to register for assistance.
While the storm is too far out to determine whether it will actually strike South Florida, Local 10 meteorologists are encouraging residents to review their hurricane plans and keep an eye out for updates.
Tropical storm winds could begin as early as Tuesday in Florida, according to Local 10 Hurricane Specialist and Storm Surge Expert Michael Lowry.
Download our 2022 Local 10 Hurricane Survival Guide to your mobile device for step-by-step instructions and storm checklists, along with the latest hurricane evacuation zones and shelter information.
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