Gov. Rick Scott declared a State of Emergency for much of Florida on Wednesday in anticipation of Tropical Storm Hermine. Heavy rains fell throughout the state, causing flooding in parts of the Gulf Coast.
“By declaring a state of emergency in advance of this storm, we are ensuring that state, regional and local agencies can work together to meet the needs of our communities,” said Scott.
The National Hurricane Center officially upgraded the tropical depression to a tropical storm Wednesday afternoon.
Hurricane and tropical storm watches were issued along Florida’s Gulf Coast from Pasco County to Gulf County. The storm is expected to hit the Big Bend area Thursday, with isolated tornadoes possible as the storm passes through the Sunshine State.
One of the biggest threats for Floridians will come with a storm surge. The NHC warned of 3 to 5 feet of storm surge possible from the Ochlockonee River to the Suwannee River and 2 to 4 feet or storm surge possible from Indian Pass to the Ochlockonee River.
Storm surge flooding is particularly dangerous for the Big Bend area, since it is the most vulnerable to storm surge flooding. There isn’t anywhere for water to go in this particular part of the state so the effects of storm surge flooding can be particularly devastating.
“There is a danger of life-threatening inundation within the next 36 to 48 hours … from Aripeka to Indian Pass,” the National Hurricane Center wrote on Wednesday morning.
Hermine already caused flooding from six to 12 inches of rain from Orlando to Jacksonville, leaving many streets under water and causing traffic jams around the state.
The storm appeared to be strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico, but the NHC said this was temporary and due to thunderstorm activities rather than an actual organized intensification into a hurricane.
Gov. Scott cautioned Floridians to make sure they have a plan in place to be ready for the Hermine.
“It is crucial that every Floridian has a plan in place to ensure their families, homes and businesses are fully prepared,” he said Wednesday.
“I have been closely monitoring this storm’s development and our emergency management officials have been working hard to make sure we are ready to respond to any potential impacts,” Scott continued. We will continue to do all we can to keep our families and visitors safe and informed as this storm approaches our state.”
Hermine is the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season’s eighth named storm. After the storm passes over Florida, it will head to the southeast coast of Georgia.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielse
