Headed for the state where it is illegal to mention climate change.
State
of Emergency Declared in Florida as Tropical Storm Erika Approaches
28
August, 2015
This
morning, Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in every
county in Florida to better prepare families for Tropical Storm
Erika. The Governor urged Floridians to remain prepared for any
potential impacts from the storm.
Governor
Rick Scott said, “This morning, I declared a state of emergency in
Florida for the threat of Tropical Storm Erika, and the National
Guard is now partially activated and they have more than 8,000
personnel ready to mobilize. As of now, much of Florida is projected
to be in the path of this storm. Everyone in our state, from South
Florida to North Florida, should be closely watching this storm.
The
weekend is coming and that means families sometimes travel or are
away from the news. We cannot afford to be complacent. Every
Floridian must have a game plan if they need to evacuate or help a
family member evacuate the path of this storm.
Tropical
Storm Erika will begin to affect Florida as early as late Sunday
night or Monday morning. Local leaders and our Florida National Guard
are already preparing their plans for possible evacuations or
sheltering needs for our vulnerable populations.
I
have spoken to Florida Power and Light and other Florida utilities to
make sure they are prepared to help families who may lose power over
the weekend and early next week and many of them are pre-positioning
their teams now. This is the time to get prepared.
We
continue to hope for the best, even as we prepare for the worst.
Working with the National Guard, local leaders and emergency
management officials – Florida is preparing for the worst case
scenario from Tropical Storm Erika. But, we need every family to
prepare their own game plan as well. Watch the news. Pay attention to
updates from your local elected officials throughout the weekend.”
The
exact path of the storm is uncertain, but State Emergency Response
Team officials continue to carefully watch this storm as it
progresses. This storm could affect Florida as early as Sunday night
or Monday morning.
erika
(Infrared
satellite view of Tropical Storm Erika NOAA)
The
Coast Guard urges mariners to heed warnings as Tropical Storm Erika
is expected to affect South Florida this weekend.
As
Tropical Storm Erika approaches, the Coast Guard urges people to be
mindful of the following:
-
Anticipate bridge closures. Mariners are advised that during strong
storms drawbridges along the coast may deviate from the normal
operating procedures. Drawbridges are authorized to remain closed
upon the approach of gale force winds or higher as stated in the Code
of Federal Regulations 117.35, which applies to “natural disasters
or civil disorders.” Mariners should anticipate bridge closures by
listening to the National Weather Service and Coast Guard broadcasts
on the storm conditions.
-
Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue
capabilities are degraded as storm conditions strengthen. This means
help could be delayed. Boaters are urged to heed weather watches,
warnings and small craft advisories. People should not go out on
their boats 48 hours prior to and at least 72-96 hours after a
hurricane has passed as debris may be in the water and navigational
aids may have shifted.
-
Evacuate as necessary. If evacuations are set for an area, the public
is urged to heed to those orders. Coast Guard personnel and other
emergency responders may not be able to evacuate those in danger
during the storm.
-
Secure your belongings. Owners of larger boats are urged to move
their boats to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to
breaking free of their moorings or damage. Trailerable boats should
be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to
flooding. Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded
to secure life rings, life jackets, emergency position indicating
radio beacons and small boats. These items, if not secured properly,
can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources to be
diverted to ensure people are not in distress.
-
Be cautious of hazardous materials. If you have hazardous materials
on or near the water, you are responsible for any spills that may
occur. Take the necessary precautions to secure them prior to any
foul weather.
-
Stay clear of beaches. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the
strong waves and rip currents caused by hurricanes. Swimmers are
urged to wait until local officials say the water is safe.
Tropical Storm Erika Soaks Puerto Rico, Hispaniola; Warnings in the Bahamas; Uncertain Threat to Florida, Southeast U.S
Highlights
- The center of Tropical Storm Erika is moving over Hispaniola, still very poorly organized.
- Tropical storm warnings continue in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, the Turks and Caicos, and the central and southeast Bahamas.
- Deadly, destructive flooding has been reported in Dominica, in the Lesser Antilles, Thursday. Strong wind gusts were reported in St. Croix and St. Thomas.
- Erika has brought locally heavy rain and gusty winds to drought-suffering Puerto Rico and Hispaniola.
- There is potential for Erika to dissipate as a tropical cyclone over the mountains of the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
- Erika's future track and intensity late this weekend and beyond remains highly uncertain regarding potential U.S. impact, which could occur anywhere from the eastern Gulf Coast and Florida to the Carolinas.
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