US: 90% chance of tropical storm hitting Florida; Governor DeSantis declares state of emergency
A tropical storm may hit Florida over the weekend
A state of emergency has been issued in the US state of Florida as there is a 90 per cent chance that a tropical disturbance near Cuba might turn into a tropical depression or tropical storm at the weekend.
Experts say if the disturbance turns into a storm, it would be called Debby. Irrespective of how big the storm becomes, Florida is expected to receive six to eight inches of rain, at least on its west coast, as well as the Georgia and South Carolina coast, the Met department said.
On Friday (Aug 2), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 54 counties by issuing Executive Order 24-156.
"As of 11 amET on August 2, Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is over Cuba and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm in the coming days," read the warning.
"Floridians are encouraged to monitor weather conditions, listen to all orders from local officials, create disaster preparedness plans, and stock disaster supply kits with food, water, and other necessities for their households," it added.
The Florida National Guard has put approximately 3,000 service members on standby for immediate response if the storm hits the region. Meanwhile, Florida State Guard (FSG) has activated:
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- 70 FSG members to support response and recovery operations
- Nineshallow water vessels staged for deployment
- 10 Utility Terrain Vehicles(UTV) staged for deployment
- Two amphibious rescue vehicles staged for deployment
- Seven search and rescue crews prepared to deployed from Camp Blanding
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What is the path of the storm?
Current predictions suggest that the system would become a tropical depressing by Saturday morning and move across Cuba to reach South Florida.
The outer bands will bring scattered thunderstorms, heavy downpour and gusty winds. The storm will continue tostrengthen and close in on the west coast of the Florida peninsula. It is expected to make landfall on Sundaywith flash flooding anticipated.
By Monday morning, the storm will move to the Atlantic Ocean - bringing rain and wind to Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. However, this forecast might change, depending on a host of other weather conditions.
The National Oceanic and Atmosphetric Administration had predicted an above-average hurricane season this year in the region.
(With inputs from agencies)