Gov. Rick Scott has issued Executive Order 17-204 declaring a state of emergency in 31 counties within the State of Florida in response to Tropical Storm Emily. A state of emergency gives the state the flexibility to work with local governments to ensure they have all the resources they may need. At this time, there are no evacuation orders in effect. The Florida National Guard stands ready to assist with any storm related impacts.
The governor’s declaration covers 31 counties, including Lake and Sumter counties.
“Earlier this morning, Tropical Depression Six was upgraded to Tropical Storm Emily and tropical storm warnings are currently in effect along Florida’s west coast. Upon learning of this tropical system from the National Hurricane Center, the State of Florida immediately engaged to prepare for any potential storm impacts. I have declared a state of emergency across 31 counties to ensure that every community has the resources they need, and that state, regional and local agencies can easily work together to keep people prepared during Tropical Storm Emily,” the governor said.
The storm made landfall at about 11 a.m. at Bradenton.
Emily is moving toward the east near 10 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue this afternoon. A turn toward the northeast with an increase in forward speed are expected by tonight and Tuesday.
On the forecast track, the center of Emily will continue to move farther inland over the west-central Florida peninsula this afternoon, and move across central Florida through tonight. Emily is forecast to move offshore of the east-central Florida coast Tuesday morning.
Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 40 mph with higher gusts. Emily is expected to weaken to a tropical depression while it moves across the Florida peninsula this afternoon and tonight.
For helpful preparation resources, visit FLGetAPlan.com.
