Gov. DeSantis issues state of emergency due to inclement effects of tropical wave

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Florida is now under a state of emergency as a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico could make landfall over the weekend.

In a release issued Thursday, just after 5:15 p.m., Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order (EO) 24-156 (Emergency Management – Invest 97L), which declares a state of emergency for the following counties in Southwest Florida:

  • Charlotte
  • Collier
  • Lee

A tropical depression could form this weekend or early next week over the eastern Gulf of Mexico or far southwestern Atlantic Ocean, including in the vicinity of Florida, said The Weather Authority.

The strongest effects from this tropical disturbance could happen from Sunday through Tuesday, bringing the greatest impact toward North Florida, noted the Weather Authority Meteorologist Zach Maloch, Thursday morning.

The release from the governor’s office noted that at least 12 inches of rain is possible over parts of Florida.

The state of emergency could mean school closures on Monday.

To read the full executive order and see the list of other counties affected, click here.

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