In a declaration issued Thursday, DeSantis cited a tropical wave, now identified as Invest 97L, that has been producing a “large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms over Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.”
The tropical wave is expected to form into a tropical depression over the weekend and early next week over the eastern Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Peninsula.
As a result, there is a significant threat of heavy rainfall over most of Florida, he said.
The prolonged heavy rainfall could result in flash flooding, river flooding, coastal flooding, erosion, and gusty winds.
“These conditions could damage the operational capability of critical infrastructure to include major interstates and roadways, bridges, airports, schools, hospitals, power grids, and other critical infrastructure,” DeSantis said.
According to the emergency declaration, the water tables in the affected areas are already nearing peak capacity and incoming heavy rainfall will cause significant river flooding that may last for several weeks; and
“The incoming heavy rainfall, flooding, and gusty winds will cause widespread power outages due to downed trees and powerlines,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis activated the Florida National Guard, as needed. He also ordered the Florida State Guard Director to activate the Florida State Guard, as needed, to respond to the emergency.
DeSantis reconstituted the Florida National Guard in recent years, funding it with more than $100 million last year.
The emergency declaration also suspends the effect of any statute, rule, or order that would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay any mitigation, response, or recovery action necessary to cope with the emergency.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
The Florida Bar Board of Governors is seeking applicants for the following two vacancies on the Florida Judicial .
